Posted on Friday 7th June 2019
Cabinet member for Highways & Transport for Staffordshire County Council Helen Fisher with cycling instructors Keith Powell and Cameron White both from Cyclist Training Ltd.
People from across Staffordshire are being encouraged to get on their bike as the biggest nationwide cycling campaign gets underway.
National Bike Week, starting on Saturday 8 June, hopes to encourage more people to cycle and health bosses at Staffordshire County Council want to see more people on their bikes in a bid to promote a more active Staffordshire and help improve air quality.
With improvements to cycle ways across the county, with many now linking into the National Cycle Network (NCN), the council continues to make cycling easier and safer for everyone.
Budding cyclists are also set to be spurred on by this year’s IRONMAN 70.3 Staffordshire, with a 56 mile cycle ride which returns to the county on Sunday 9 June.
Helen Fisher, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Staffordshire County Council said:
“Cycling is an amazing activity with lots of benefits and one that most people can take part in.
“Thousands of people already cycle regularly and are doing their bit to keep active but we want to see even more people cycling for both leisure and for getting to and from school and work.
“There’s so many benefits to cycling. Keeping fit and healthy, reducing congestion and improving air quality and even saving money by not using the car are all great reasons to get on your bike. This is the perfect week to have a go, so dust off the saddle and get on your bike.”
Cycle training through Bikeability is also helping keep school children safer on their bikes and each year delivers training to around 10,000 pupils. Last year over 800 Balance Bike training sessions and 200 Learn to Ride sessions were also delivered, along with 500 scooter classes.
More than 80km of the National Cycle Network runs through Staffordshire as well as 240km of local rural cycle lanes. For those looking for leisurely cycling, there’s also the county’s extensive canal network with many resurfaced towpaths ideal for beginners.
For experienced riders looking for a challenge there are also the mountain bike trails on Cannock Chase were people can put their skills to the ultimate test.
People can find out more about cycling in Staffordshire on our website.
Individual cycling maps for all districts, which show both traffic free and quieter routes suitable for cycling and on the road are also available from local libraries.