16 June 2010 EastbourneBorough Council, in partnership with local cycling group BESPOKE,will be opening up a ‘Bike Surgery’ during Team Green Britain Bike Week (19-27 June), the UK’s biggest mass participation cycling event to encourage everyone to rethink their everyday journeys and switch to cycling as the most convenient way to get around.
You will be able to give your bike a health check from one of the BESPOKE Bike Doctors, learn simple maintenance skills, discover what the safest routes are to get around town, and get practical advice on everyday cycling issues. There will also be competitions and prizes.
The bike surgery will be a one day event on Monday 21 June and it will be held outside the Council offices in 1 Grove Road. It will be open from 10.30am until 6pm. So if you have a bike that has been gathering dust in the shed or are just unsure about getting on two wheels come along and have a chat – bring your bike as well!
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for the Environment, Councillor Steve Wallis said “Plenty of people get in their cars and nip into town without giving it a second thought. Yet hopping on a bike could get you there faster, cheaper and give you a healthy boost along the way. This surgery is a great way of helping people to rediscover the pleasures of pedal power.”
If you have never thought about cycling before then you might want to consider the following:
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More than half of all car trips are five miles or less – swapping them for a 15 minute bike ride could really help you make savings on fuel costs
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Cyclist fitness levels are equivalent to being ten years younger
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You can beat the traffic jams and get to your destination quicker
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Cycling can be a great family activity; it’s free, healthy and fun
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Cyclists live on average at least two years longer than non-cyclists
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You can save on gym fees by regularly using two wheels
If you would like to organise your own event but are short on ideas log on to the Bike Week website or phone 0845 612 0661. This website also features a cycle calculator where people can work out how much money they might save. Team Green Britain Bike Week is also on Twitter.
