Wigan Council transport officers are delighted with the results of another national bike week, and are looking ahead to free courses for children this summer.
Road safety officer Andy Allen said:
“After years of freewheeling, cycling in the borough is coming back into its own with increased bike use and much more interest in healthy alternatives to that daily drive. And as ever, we have expert-led free sessions for over 10s coming up in July and August.”
Fellow officer Mike Orrell recently took part in a light-hearted ‘commuter challenge’ with work colleagues. Mike took the off-road bike route from Bryn into Wigan town centre, narrowly coming behind his on-road biker colleague.
“The car actually won the commuter challenge,” laughs Mike, “But by half a minute on a very quiet morning. What we found that day was that the bicycle really is a serious alternative to the car, and much cheaper too.”
The council’s cabinet environment champion and deputy leader, Cllr David Molyneux, spent time at the bike week displays with experts and residents. He says:
“Sightseeing, fitness, fun, value for money - cycling has it all. Anyone who uses the roads contributes to the issue of ‘traffic’, so just taking an alternative to the car from time to time has benefits for everyone, and the environment as well. Get your kids into the biking habit early and sign up for one of this summer’s courses!”
The free Bikeability Level 2 courses are being run by the council throughout the holidays at schools and leisure venues from Standish to Lowton, and from Ashton to Atherton. They include supervised on-road training, and youngsters are asked to attend for all four of the morning or afternoon sessions.
Contact Sheila Ryding in the road safety team on 01942 488250 to book a place.
Course venues :
- Hindley Leisure Centre (20-23 July)
- Ashton Leisure Centre (20-23 July)
- Marus Bridge School (27-30 July)
- Atherton Hesketh Fletcher (27-30 July)
- Lamberhead Green Community School (3-6 August)
- Golborne High (10-13 August)
- Aspull Church School (10-13 August)
- Leigh Bedford High School (17-20 August)
- St Mark’s Newtown (17-20 August)
- St Marie’s Standish (24-27 August)
- Lowton Civic Centre (24-27 August)
