Worcestershire News
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Pedal your way to fitness
FIT Worcester residents are being encouraged to try and catch the cycling bug.
A new loan scheme, which is being run by Worcestershire County Council, will allow people to borrow a bike to see if they enjoy cycling.
Operated by Worcester charity Motov8, residents can borrow one of the 200 bicycles for up to six months.
The scheme encourages residents to start cycling by removing one of the main barriers that prevent people from getting on a bike - which is owning a bike.
The bikes provided are in a variety of sizes for both men and women, while the scheme also has a small number of tandems and child bike seats available.
Councillor Derek Prodger, the County Council's Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: "Cycling is one way in which Worcestershire residents can help reduce congestion, save time, save money and improve their health.
"Many people do not want to commit to the cost of purchasing a bike to see whether cycling is for them so I would encourage residents who have not considered cycling to sign up to the scheme and have a go."
The Worcestershire Cycle Loan Scheme has been created by "Choose how you move", a five-year government funded project that explores different ways of encouraging residents to travel sustainably in Worcester.
To take part in the scheme, participants will need to be a Worcestershire resident, over 18 with photo ID, have a proof of address and a £75 refundable deposit.
The first 50 residents to join the scheme will also receive a cycle helmet to keep.
Further information on the Worcestershire Cycle Loan Scheme is available at www.worcestershire.gov.uk/cycleloanscheme or by contacting Motov8 on 01905 619068.
4:29pm Thursday 8th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Ricpop, Powick on 5:45pm Thu 8 May 08
I've been cycling in and around the Worcester area since the 1950's, it's a brilliant way of getting around and the idea of borrowing a byke from MotorV8 is a great idea. at last cycleways and dedicated routes are improving in Worcester after being left far behind the rest of the countries major towns and cities. A lot of towns are now painting cycling routes through pedestrian areas like Worcester High Street and this seems to be very effective and a better system than exists now in Worcester where it is an unpoliced free for all.
I've been cycling in and around the Worcester area since the 1950's, it's a brilliant way of getting around and the idea of borrowing a byke from MotorV8 is a great idea. at last cycleways and dedicated routes are improving in Worcester after being left far behind the rest of the countries major towns and cities. A lot of towns are now painting cycling routes through pedestrian areas like Worcester High Street and this seems to be very effective and a better system than exists now in Worcester where it is an unpoliced free for all.
Posted by: Stan Parr, Pershore on 6:19pm Thu 8 May 08
What a brilliant idea!
At least these cyclists will be fighting fit and recover so much quicker in hospital, when they are inevitably knocked off their bikes!
Seriously though - it has to be the way forward, with congestion growing like it is, due to the gross over-population in this country.
"Go to work on an Egg....er, sorry, Bike!"
What a brilliant idea!
At least these cyclists will be fighting fit and recover so much quicker in hospital, when they are inevitably knocked off their bikes!
Seriously though - it has to be the way forward, with congestion growing like it is, due to the gross over-population in this country.
"Go to work on an Egg....er, sorry, Bike!"
Posted by: fronkthegonk on 10:37am Fri 9 May 08
Worcester is ideal for pedalling, it is flat [relatively] for a start, unlike Malvern but even here there are lots more bikes about.
I have built a trailer for my bike and am using it to take my tools to work etc. I am sure it might annoy some drivers getting stuck behind me as I trundle up the road but never mind, one less van on the road and a lot less smoke:)
I think there is a culture change going on and people are realising the benefits from walking or cycling to work or the shops. It is not just exercise for the body but for the mind, a bit of fresh air on the way to work can't be a bad thing.
The attitude of car drivers seems to be polarising between those who give you miles of room and respect and the few who know you are there but still cut you up or force oncoming traffic out of the way to get past you....
Something that does put people off is the clothing issues such as wet weather gear or the sight of lycra on unsuitable bodies but there is plenty of choice in comfortable cycling clothes that look normal when you walk down the road and waterproofs are very good these days and not so sweaty as they once were.
One of the major put offs for new cyclists is caused by unsuitable bikes, DO NOT buy full suspension MTB's to ride to work on, they are slow and heavy, get a hybrid style bike or a traditional sit up and beg if you don't have big hills to negotiate.
Ride I am off to work now... on me bike.
Worcester is ideal for pedalling, it is flat for a start, unlike Malvern but even here there are lots more bikes about.
I have built a trailer for my bike and am using it to take my tools to work etc. I am sure it might annoy some drivers getting stuck behind me as I trundle up the road but never mind, one less van on the road and a lot less smoke:)
I think there is a culture change going on and people are realising the benefits from walking or cycling to work or the shops. It is not just exercise for the body but for the mind, a bit of fresh air on the way to work can't be a bad thing.
The attitude of car drivers seems to be polarising between those who give you miles of room and respect and the few who know you are there but still cut you up or force oncoming traffic out of the way to get past you....
Something that does put people off is the clothing issues such as wet weather gear or the sight of lycra on unsuitable bodies but there is plenty of choice in comfortable cycling clothes that look normal when you walk down the road and waterproofs are very good these days and not so sweaty as they once were.
One of the major put offs for new cyclists is caused by unsuitable bikes, DO NOT buy full suspension MTB's to ride to work on, they are slow and heavy, get a hybrid style bike or a traditional sit up and beg if you don't have big hills to negotiate.
Ride I am off to work now... on me bike.
Posted by: fronkthegonk on 10:38am Fri 9 May 08
Worcester is ideal for pedalling, it is flat [relatively] for a start, unlike Malvern but even here there are lots more bikes about.
I have built a trailer for my bike and am using it to take my tools to work etc. I am sure it might annoy some drivers getting stuck behind me as I trundle up the road but never mind, one less van on the road and a lot less smoke:)
I think there is a culture change going on and people are realising the benefits from walking or cycling to work or the shops. It is not just exercise for the body but for the mind, a bit of fresh air on the way to work can't be a bad thing.
The attitude of car drivers seems to be polarising between those who give you miles of room and respect and the few who know you are there but still cut you up or force oncoming traffic out of the way to get past you....
Something that does put people off is the clothing issues such as wet weather gear or the sight of lycra on unsuitable bodies but there is plenty of choice in comfortable cycling clothes that look normal when you walk down the road and waterproofs are very good these days and not so sweaty as they once were.
One of the major put offs for new cyclists is caused by unsuitable bikes, DO NOT buy full suspension MTB's to ride to work on, they are slow and heavy, get a hybrid style bike or a traditional sit up and beg if you don't have big hills to negotiate.
Ride I am off to work now... on me bike.
Worcester is ideal for pedalling, it is flat for a start, unlike Malvern but even here there are lots more bikes about.
I have built a trailer for my bike and am using it to take my tools to work etc. I am sure it might annoy some drivers getting stuck behind me as I trundle up the road but never mind, one less van on the road and a lot less smoke:)
I think there is a culture change going on and people are realising the benefits from walking or cycling to work or the shops. It is not just exercise for the body but for the mind, a bit of fresh air on the way to work can't be a bad thing.
The attitude of car drivers seems to be polarising between those who give you miles of room and respect and the few who know you are there but still cut you up or force oncoming traffic out of the way to get past you....
Something that does put people off is the clothing issues such as wet weather gear or the sight of lycra on unsuitable bodies but there is plenty of choice in comfortable cycling clothes that look normal when you walk down the road and waterproofs are very good these days and not so sweaty as they once were.
One of the major put offs for new cyclists is caused by unsuitable bikes, DO NOT buy full suspension MTB's to ride to work on, they are slow and heavy, get a hybrid style bike or a traditional sit up and beg if you don't have big hills to negotiate.
Ride I am off to work now... on me bike.
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