Sponsored by
A wheely good way to go green
A TWO-WHEELED challenge has been thrown down by a group of cycling enthusiasts who want to get more people on the right track.
The Wakefield Cycle Users Forum wants people to help reduce traffic congestion and pollution by swapping their cars for a bike for just one journey a week.
As well as saving money on fuel deputy chairman, David Keighley, believes it would help the forum's quest to improve existing cycle paths and build new ones.
Mr Keighley, 65, said: "The majority of journeys people do are less than five miles and that is easy to do on a bike.
"I feel that more could be done to cater for cyclists but things have improved already this year and we are now working much more directly with the local authority and the PCT.
"There have been a number of different cycle paths and schemes that have been completed in the last few years but more investment is needed."
The forum is now trying to secure funding to build a cycle path connecting Wakefield with Dewsbury to the west and Castleford to the east.
In July Wakefield Primary Care Trust (PCT) appointed John Wilcox as their walking and cycling for health project manager.
Mr Wilcox said: "The PCT is currently working with the Wakefield Cycle Forum and Wakefield Council to develop series of Health Rides which start in October.
"The aim to encourage anyone with a bike sitting in their garage or shed to get it out and turn up to a short guided cycle ride to get them back into the saddle and get cycling."
Paul Stevenson, the council's traffic and road safety manager, said: "We have a specific scheme programme amounting to around 300,000 per year, and are currently constructing cycle tracks throughout the district.
"The council's People 2 Places initiative is designed to encourage alternatives to the car and we are also involved in bidding for funding for "healthy transport" proposals."
For details of cycle routes around the district visit www.wakefield .gov.uk/CommunityAndLiving/WalkingAndCycling
To find out more about the PCT's Health Rides, call 01924 213050.
To contact the Wakefield Cycle Users Forum, contact Mr Keighley on 01924 240180 or e-mail him on davidcycle@talktalk.net
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Wakefield
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: 0 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light snow
Temperature: -2 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South east
