Cycle fun on offer for National Bike Week

Date published: 14/06/2004

Local people are invited to get on their bike and enjoy the benefits of cycling. Whether to work, school or just for fun, events have been arranged during National Bike Week (12 - 19 June).

On Sunday 20 June children and families can brush up their cycle skills at the Hollingworth Lake Visitor Centre. The event runs from 1.00pm to 4.00pm. You don't have to book, just turn up.

Rochdale Council staff are setting an example by cycling to work where possible. Tuesday 15 June is Bike2Work day and as an incentive, the Council is offering a free biker's breakfast, in partnership with Fed Up Café, for staff who do leave their cars behind and come to work by bicycle. They will be joined at 9.00am by the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Sultan Ali.

Staff who cannot cycle to work can still do their bit too. Rochdale Council is, on the same day, providing tree planting kits, giving employees the opportunity to offset some of the carbon emissions they produce each year as trees naturally absorb carbon dioxide. Staff will be provided with acorns and pots and the knowledge to look after their acorns for a year, after which time the young trees will be replanted as part of the Pennine Edge Forest.

Pupils from Shawclough, All Saints and St Patrick's Primary Schools will join in the fun on Friday 18 June with a cycle ride around north Rochdale. The ride is part of the Council's efforts with local schools to encourage more children to cycle. The Mayor, Councillor Sultan Ali will also attend this event at 12.15pm.

The ride will include a 'Cycle Skills' session and a 'Bike Doctor' exercise where the children can learn to identify and fix small problems with their bikes to ensure they stay safe when cycling.

For more information on all of these events please contact Howard Gott, Sustainable Travel Co-ordinator on 864356 or howard.gott@rochdale.gov.uk