On two wheels for the Three Lions
To coincide with the World Cup kick-off and this week’s Bike Week campaign, Warwickshire County Council has set staff the challenge of collectively cycling the distance from Shire Hall to Soccer City in Johannesburg for the duration of the tournament.
From June 11 to July 11, staff across Warwickshire are being urged to ‘bike for England’ on their journey to work to help reach the target of 5,692 miles.
Cyclists are recording the miles each time they use their bike and submit them to the county council’s Sustainable Travel Team. There is a prize on offer for the cyclist who completes the most miles towards the South African World Cup target.
The idea is one of a series of initiatives being held in Bike Week, part of the national campaign to promote sustainable means of transport.
Cllr Helen Walton, Warwickshire County Council’s Acting Portfolio Holder for Economy and Housing, said: “The World Cup has truly global appeal and I’m rallying our staff to collectively clock up the miles to reach the largest city of the host nation.
“The aim of Bike Week is to promote more sustainable modes of travel and lifestyles which require less travel.
“The county council hopes this will help increase the number of walkers, cyclists, motorcyclists, public transport users and car sharers coming to work.”
Other events being hosted by the Sustainable Travel team include the Come Try A Bike day on Thursday (June 24), cycle training sessions and Warwick Cycle races on September 5.
Thursday’s event, which is open to anyone has not rode a bike for some time, or may just want to try a new type of bike, is being held in Market Square, Warwick, from 12 noon until 2pm.
People will have the chance to see if you really never forget how to ride a bike by trying out a selection of bicycles including a Trek Commuter bike, an electric bike supplied by Atmosphere Bikes and a Taga pushchair bike from Kinderroom.
Everyone is welcome to try a bike in return for a treat from Sweet As and a free tea or coffee provided by Cafe Nero and Within Reach Café and a special lunch offer from Thomas Oken Tea Rooms.
For other events in your area please visit http://www.bikeweek.org.uk.