Shrewsbury bike town campaign begins

A new campaign goes live today as part of a major £1.8 million project to transform Shrewsbury into a cycling town.

The town was awarded cycling town status last summer with government cash to be invested in making cycling easier, quicker and safer, and encouraging more people to start cycling on their local journeys.

Activities being launched today were due to include the release of a new walking and cycling map to the town.

There will also be free cycle health checks at two town supermarkets.

Work has already started to improve cycling routes and facilities in the town, following the allocation of funding from the Department for Transport.

This has also included the provision of cycle training and campaigns to encourage cycling to school and work.

It came after Shrewsbury was chosen from 74 towns and cities across England to become one of 11 new cycling demonstration sites.

These are just a few of the events and activities that will be continuing over the next two years to help bring about a major increase in cycling in Shrewsbury.

Emma Bullard, Shropshire Council's promotions manager for Cycle Shrewsbury, said: "We know that many people would like to start cycling but are put off by not knowing where to get practical advice on routes, training or what kind of bike would suit them.

"We hope that the new website will be really useful. It will also have competitions and special offers to encourage people to get involved. People can also contact us by phone on (01743) 255435."

The cycling map is available from locations across the county, including libraries, tourist information centres, cycle shops and the council's website.

Dr Bike will be visiting Shrewsbury supermarkets from today until Friday to do free cycle health checks.

People can just turn up with their bike between 3pm and 5pm at Asda, Old Potts Way, on Monday and Thursday, Tesco in Harlescott on Tuesday, or Sainsbury's at the Meole Retail Park on Wednesday and Friday.

For scheme details visit www.cycleshrewsbury.co.uk

Activities planned:

• A new Shrewsbury walking and cycling map to guide people around the town.

• Dr Bike visiting Shrewsbury supermarkets to conduct free cycle health checks.

• A visit to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital to provide information and advice for staff.

• New website www.cycleshrewsbury.co.uk up and running with information, advice, competitions and special offers.

• Shoppers at the Darwin Centre between May 18 and 24 will be able to watch a short film about Cycle Shrewsbury and pick up maps and leaflets.

• Work will finish soon on the Greenfields “Greenways”, part of the improvements funded by the Connect 2 lottery award which will make it easier to walk and cycle between the town centre and the north of the town.

By Russell Roberts