New cycle programme (From Salisbury Journal)

New cycle programme

11:22am Monday 25th February 2013 in News

PEOPLE living in Wiltshire are being encouraged to get on their bike this spring and enjoy thelocal area thanks to a national cycling programme coming to the county.

Wiltshire Council, in partnership with British Cycling, will be offering cycling opportunities in the county from April, with the help of public health funding promoting the benefits of leading an active lifestyle.

Stuart Wheeler, the council’s cabinet member for leisure, said: “Wiltshire Council is committed to building on the momentum from 2012 so we create a real legacy for the future.

“As part of this legacy programme we want to encourage people to take some exercise and these cycle rides will be a great way to get fit and enjoy your local countryside at the same time.

“This is also a chance for confident cyclists to have some free training and have the opportunity to lead one of these rides.”

The routes will range from short family traffic-free routes, to 20 to 30 mile rides as part of the national recreational cycling programme, Skyride. Confident recreational cyclists are also being asked to come forward to train as ride leaders and route planners in Wiltshire.

They will be trained and will receive payment for leading and assisting rides as well as British Cycling Ride membership.

Anybody interested can email skyride@britishcycling.org.uk for more information.