On Yer' Bike

Date: 15/11/11
Blackpool - Blackpool



On Yer’ Bike

Now it’s even easier to get back in the saddle. People across the Fylde Coast can now sign up for a free two-hour cycling course, aimed at making more people confident in riding their bike. The courses have been organised by Lancashire County Council, in partnership with Blackpool Council on the Fylde coast, to deliver the courses to residents.

The courses are part of a programme to find out whether providing commuter cycle courses in Lancashire will help encourage more people who usually travel by car to work, college and training to 'get on their bikes'.

The two hour sessions will be designed to meet the individual needs of the participants. They are led by trained cycle instructors, who are experts in helping people to cycle safely and confidently. The sessions can be delivered on a one-to-one basis or to small groups of colleagues and can be organised to fit around people's commitments. Bicycles and helmets can both be borrowed for the duration of the course from the training provider.

Cllr Fred Jackson, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Streets and Transport: “We are always looking to help people to cycle more often. It is a healthier and cheaper way for people to get about. “One of the biggest barriers stopping people from cycling more regularly is a lack of confidence. Hopefully these courses will help to make people more comfortable in riding their bikes and will result in cycling becoming a much more popular way of travelling.

“This is not just individuals either. We would be very happy to hear from businesses interested in offering these group courses to their staff.” County Councillor Tim Ashton, Cabinet member for Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport added: "Whether you're getting stressed about the amount of time you're wasting in traffic jams or the rising cost of fuel, or whether you'd just like to get fit, these courses are an ideal chance to update your cycling skills and to increase your confidence.

"If the courses are popular, then we'll look at the possibility of providing cycle training on a more permanent basis. "In the meantime, I'd urge everyone to sign up and take advantage of this superb free training."

 The course will cover the following;
 How to cycle in traffic and basic manoeuvres
 How to best position yourself on the road to be seen
 Information on great cycling routes in your area
 Road rules and safety for cyclists
 Tips for riding at night or on rainy days
 How to cycle and still look stylish
 

Places on the courses are limited and will be offered on a first come first served basis. However, every effort will be made to provide the training wherever possible.

To book a place or for more information, contact Blackpool Council’s Travel & Road Safety team on 01253 476182 or email: cycling@blackpool.gov.uk

cycle image from tejvanphotos on Flicker


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