Commuters Urged To Get On Their Bikes

19 June 2006
COMMUTERS URGED TO GET ON THEIR BIKES
Commuters are being encouraged to swap four wheels for two to ease congestion, help the environment and keep fit during Bike Week (17-25 June).
Across the country dozens of cycling events have been organised by public and private sector employers, local authorities and cycling organisations all to promote the environmental, financial, and health benefits of cycling for commercial and leisure purposes.
With soaring fuel costs and increasing levels of traffic on the road the Department for Regional Development's (DRD) Roads Service is leading the way in the promotion of cycling in the workplace through its Travelwise NI Bike2Work initiative that runs alongside Bike Week.
Andy Bready, Travelwise NI Bike2Work Co-ordinator, said: "Cycling to and from work is an excellent source of exercise that will help not only keep the cyclist fit and healthy but this will help reduce the number of cars on the road, which in turn will cut the levels of exhaust emissions. Cyclists will also make financial savings, as the less they drive the car, the less fuel they will need.
"At our Clarence Court headquarters last year we introduced a pool-bike system for colleagues to leave the car and take the bike for shorter journeys. It has been a terrific success and we are looking to double our current fleet of bicycles with other Roads Service buildings now introducing this system also."
This year a greater number of employers have become involved with Bike2Work with organisations such as Phoenix Natural Gas, Northbrook Technologies, Seagoe Technologies joining the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Royal Victoria Hospital and Queens University who are among those participating.
Peter Dixon, Chief Executive of Phoenix Natural Gas supports the Bike2Work initiative: "Cycling simply isn't for young people or for enthusiasts, it also makes sound financial sense for businesses. Cycling can help lead to a healthier and fitter workforce which in turn is a happier and more productive workforce. There are also the knock-on benefits of a reduction in demand for car-park spaces at offices."
On Thursday 22 June, Cycle NI is holding a seminar for business to outline the financial benefits and tax breaks available for those employees who introduce a "Cycle to Work" scheme within their organisation that allow their staff to purchase a bicycle tax free.
Roads Service is also organising a Public Sector Bike2Work Day event during Bike Week on Wednesday 21st June. Civil servants from across the Greater Belfast Area will be meeting at 8.30am at the National Cycle Network path at the Ormeau Bridge to cycle to Belfast City Hall for free bike parking and a hearty and healthy breakfast will be provided.
To find out more information about Travelwise NI Bike2Work or to register your participation please visit www.travelwiseni.com or telephone on 028 9023 3550 to get involved. For further information about additional leisure and family cycling events taking place throughout Northern Ireland please visit www.cycleni.com.
NOTES TO EDITORS:

Bike2Work as part of Bike Week is being organised under the Travelwise NI campaign. The Travelwise NI initiative aims to promote sustainable modes of transport.

Since 1997 Roads Service has provided in excess of 163km of cycle infrastructure across Northern Ireland. The network includes dedicated cycle tracks, shared-use surfaces, traffic calmed roads and makes use of paths across parks and other open spaces.

The recently published Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan 2005-15 commits Ł16.4 million to developing further cycle routes in Belfast, Bangor, Lisburn and Carrick.

NOTES FOR BROADCAST MEDIA
Recording/filming opportunities are available all week. Roads Service representatives are available for interview including Bike2Work co-ordinator Andy Bready and Kathryn Callaghan of Cycle NI.

Monday 19 June: The Travelwise NI Bike2Work team will be at the Royal Victoria Hospital with Cycle NI for the launch of Bike Week 2006. The RVH is encouraging their 7000 staff to cycle to work (where possible) and we will have available employees (doctors, nurses etc) that cycle to work. One consultant has cycled every day for the last 13 years. All staff that cycle are encouraged to meet at central location for cycle around grounds before participants are entered into a draw to win a bike.

Wednesday 21 June: The public sector Bike2Work event will begin at 8.30am at the Cycle Path by the Ormeau Bridge, participants will join other cyclists at the path (beside the Halifax Call Centre), Gasworks site, Ormeau Road, Belfast at 8.45am and will then be cycling around the city centre to Belfast City Council's Cecil Ward Building at Linenhall Street for a free breakfast at 9am. Free cycle parking provided at front of City Hall.

We are able to supply bicycles and cycling equipment for any journalists that may want to cycle along with any of the RVH staff on Monday or Civil Servants on Wednesday.

For media enquiries contact Ross Williamson or Ursula Kelleher at Inform Communications on 028 9023 3550 or 07734 821070 (Ross) or 07739 420949 (Ursula)

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