Cyclists gear up for Huge Bike Revival

David Cameron, Boris Johnson and Andrew Mitchell apart, you hardly ever see a politician on a bike.

Which is funny, because political parties love cycling. It plays to important agendas such as well being and the atmosphere and it’s an straightforward win as far as boosting green credentials is concerned.

The outgoing coalition government place its funds where its mouth was with £1 million of backing for a campaign to aid individuals cycle a lot more safely by providing them the abilities to repair and sustain their bikes.

On yer bike

The Huge Bike Revival, masterminded by cycling charity CTC, aims to encourage much more folks to dig out their old bike and rediscover the joys of cycling.

The campaign starts in earnest in May, when would-be cyclists will be capable to take their bike to a participating re-cycle centre.

They can then learn how to fix and sustain the bike, or trade it in for a diverse model.

Men and women will also be able to find out about cycle instruction and other activities in the area. You will even be in a position to donate any unwanted bicycles.

Pollution resolution

Announcing the government backing, Robert Goodwill, the coalition’s transport minister, stated: “We are serious about receiving men and women on their bike – cycling is wonderful for our well being and signifies much less-congested cities and much less pollution.

“Now spring has arrived, there is no greater time to bring out that bike gathering dust in the shed.

“The Big Bike Revival will help you sort out the punctures and minor mechanical issues that we have all utilised as an excuse not to get out on 2 wheels.”

Saddle sore

In 2013, 42% of adults in Britain had access to a bicycle, but 63% had not ridden in the earlier year. But 37% say they could very easily swap the automobile for the bike for short journeys of much less than 2 miles.

A CTC pilot project in October 2014 proved a big accomplishment, attracting more than 1,300 people to 10 centres across West Yorkshire, Higher Manchester and Liverpool.

A final list of participating re-cycle centres will be available in Might – watch this space.

Ride and park

The outgoing government also announced a additional £15 million on improvements to cycle facilities at practically 300 railway stations across the country.

The funds will spend for an added 7,500 cycle parking spaces at 279 stations, tripling the number of cycle parking spaces at stations because 2010.

Major stations set to benefit from a grant incorporate Derby, Lincoln, Dorking, Preston and Rugby.

There will also be a new cycle route and 300 cycle parking spaces in Cheltenham Spa.

Cyclists gear up for Huge Bike Revival