Bike drive ‘wheelie’ successful

APROJECT to ‘Get Halton Cycling’ has been hailed as a success. Halton Borough Council, which is one of the organisations behind the scheme, said figures have shown that 16 volunteer ride leaders have been trained, 200 bike maintenance checks have been performend and dozens of residents have borrowed bikes to take up cycling.

Thirty-two adults learned how to ride for the first time and 86 took part in a guided cycle tour as part of the yearlong event which ran from April 2015 to March 2016.

‘Get Halton Cycling’ has been supported British Cycling Team Sky, Runcorn Cycle Club, Widnes Cycle Club and the Urban Café at Phoenix Park, which has hosted events.

A Halton Council spokesman said project highlights have included:

210 attendances at social rides in 12 months.

A social cycling group established in Widnes with trained ride leaders.

Runcorn Cycling Club embracing novice rides for adults and providing cycle training to broaden its appeal.

A Runcorn-based club at the Urban Café with trained volunteer ride leaders.

A cycle coaching and training business developing as a consequence of supporting residents to train as cycle training instructors and coaches and employing them to work in the area.

Weekly disability-focused and inclusive sessions run from Phoenix Park since the start of 2016.

Cllr Stan Hill (transport) said the project was aimed at ‘hard to reach’ groups such as those who have never been on a bike.

He said: “The aim of the project was to pilot ways to engage the local community in cycling and to build a sustainable volunteer legacy that would see participation continue and participation levels in cycling rise.”

For more information visit https:// www. youtube. com/ watch?v=4w3dJq1wko4 or http:// www. bikeright. co. uk/ merseyside/knowsleyhalton/