Guided bike rides aim to promote cycling

Published Friday, 25th January 2019

The first in a series of guided bike rides that aim to encourage more people to take up cycling is about to be held in Hartlepool.

The ride will take place on Wednesday January 30th, beginning at 11am from the bandstand in Maritime Avenue at Hartlepool marina.

It is a joint initiative between the Hartlepool Borough Council-led Hartlepool Active Travel Hub which aims to promote alternatives to the car, and the sustainable travel charity Sustrans.

Tony Davison, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Sustainable Travel Officer who co-ordinates the work of the Hartlepool Active Travel Hub, said: “The rides are intended to be suitable for any level of cyclist.

“They are a perfect opportunity for people who perhaps haven’t cycled for a while to ease their way back into the saddle in the company of like-minded people.

“The ride on the 30th is the first of a series that will take place up to March and further rides are planned from Newburn Bridge and the Headland. We also hope to extend the programme throughout 2019.”

Sustrans is managing the guided rides programme from their base at The Hub in Stockton using trained Cycle Leaders.

As well as taking part in the rides people can also become Cycle Leaders, with Sustrans providing the training.

For more information about the guided rides or becoming a Cycle Leader contact Sustrans on (01642) 617672 or stocktonactivetravel@sustrans.org.uk

Note to editors: The Hartlepool Active Travel Hub is funded through the Department for Transport’s Access Fund as part of the Connect Tees Valley programme co-ordinated by the Tees Valley Combined Authority, the body which drives economic growth and job creation in the area through a focus on economic development, transport, infrastructure, skills, business investment, housing, culture and tourism.