Spring into Cycling – March and April 2013

Throughout March and April 2013, Shropshire Council brings Shropshire residents two months of free cycling activities to help them to get back on their bikes after winter. 

Free activities include bicycle maintenance and confidence courses, guided cycle rides, giveaways and competitions.

Full details of all the Spring into Cycling activities happening can be found on the Travel Shropshire website www.travelshropshire.co.uk/spring.

For those whose bike needs a bit of tlc after winter there are basic maintenance courses in Oswestry, Ludlow and Shrewsbury, plus puncture repair sessions for parents at Bike It schools in Shrewsbury.

For people who need some help building their confidence or skills on their bicycle there is free adult cycle training across Shropshire, Easter holiday family cycling courses in Shrewsbury, and learn to ride courses in Shrewsbury and Oswestry.

For anyone who would like some company or support while cycling, there are guided cycle rides for all ages and abilities, plus great ideas for family cycle rides for the Easter holiday including treasure hunt routes for Shrewsbury, Oswestry and Ludlow.

In addition, people who sign up to receive the Travel Shropshire enewsletter during March or April will receive a free puncture repair kit and will be entered into a prize draw to win one of 20 vouchers for a bicycle service.  Full terms and conditions will be available on the Travel Shropshire website from 1 March 2013*.

We’ll also be supporting children taking part in Sustrans’s virtual bike race, The Big Pedal, with great activities in Bike It schools in Shrewsbury and Oswestry to help more children cycle to school.

Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for cycling, said:

“At this time of year, with spring in the air, it’s a great time for Shropshire residents to be getting back on their bikes, getting active, saving money and enjoying our beautiful county. 

“These two months of free cycling activities from Shropshire Council will help people get over any barriers they have to cycling, whether it be a lack of confidence on the road, a flat tyre or they simply can’t cycle without stabilisers.”

All the details of Spring into Cycling events, including times and booking forms, can be found here www.travelshropshire.co.uk/spring or by calling 01743 253008.

*These offers are only open to people over 16 who live or work in Shropshire.

Further information

Spring into Cycling is funded by Shropshire Council and the Department for Transport through the Shropshire Sustainable Transport Project.

Shropshire Sustainable Transport Project 

Shropshire Sustainable Transport project is a package of measures funded by a £5m grant funding from the Department for Transport (DfT).

The money must be spent over the period 2011-15 on sustainable transport measures which meet the objectives of supporting and boosting the local economy, and cutting carbon emissions. 

The Shropshire Sustainable Transport Project is targeted on Ludlow, Oswestry and Shrewsbury, and includes packages of measures to bring about changes in travel behaviour and greater use of more sustainable travel, such as walking, cycling and public transport, and to better manage traffic.