Sustrans news releases

York children gear up for The Big Pedal 2012

Sustrans — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:50:11 +0000

Issued on: Wednesday 8 February, 2012

From Monday 13 February, 2012, charity Sustrans and York City Council will host a week of bike-themed half-term activities aimed at children in York.

Sustrans Officer Naomi Wells Smith has organised the week to be based at the Explore York Library. Naomi already works with pupils at 23 schools across York in partnership with Intelligent Travel York, to encourage more pupils to cycle the school journey as an alternative to being dropped off by parents in the car.

Naomi says; 'More pupils cycling to school means healthier, more active children who arrive at the classroom more alert and ready to learn. This week of free and fun activities is designed to ignite children's passion for pedalling and get them ready to take part in our big schools event of the Year – The Big Pedal – in March'.

The week of events will include a free winter bike MOT for children who bring their cycles to a session with 'Dr Bike', free security tagging for bikes, a guided family cycle ride at Acomb, mountain bike skills session and the launch of the brand new mountain bike track at Rawcliffe Country Park. There will also be displays of old, new and unusual bikes at the library for people to browse.

The week-long event is designed to enthuse children about cycling and prepare them for participating in the UK's biggest schools cycling event, The Big Pedal, which starts on Monday 5 March for three weeks, and will see more than a million school journeys being made by bike to schools across the UK.

To book for the Acomb guided family cycle ride, please call Naomi on 07824 998745 Visit The Big pedal 2012 website or visit Sustrans' Free Range Kids website to find out more about getting children to be more independent and active.

/ends

For further information please contact:

Wendy Johnson in the Press Office on 0117 915 0128 (Direct Line)

Press Office telephone: 0117 927 7555; Fax: 0117 930 4149

Email: press@sustrans.org.uk

Out of office hours (mobile: 07802 986 728)

Photo Librarian – Jonathan Bewley & Chandra Prasad 0117 915 0120 photos@sustrans.org.uk

ISDN line available for radio interviews

NOTES

Sustrans is the charity that's enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we make every day. It's time we all began making smarter travel choices. Make your move and support Sustrans today. www.sustrans.org.uk Sustrans believes every child deserves to be free range, with freedom from their front door to explore, play outdoors, and make their own way to school and beyond. Find out more, join in and speak out for Free Range Kids at www.sustrans.org.uk/freerangekids

Transform everyday journeys with ‘The complete National Cycle Network’ app – now on Android

Sustrans — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:40:30 +0000

Issued on: Tuesday 31 January, 2012

The popular 'The complete National Cycle Network' app from charity Sustrans has now been released on Android, bringing 25,000 miles of walking and cycling routes to your finger tips, wherever you are in the UK.

Download the app for the Android Market by clicking here - or search 'Sustrans' from your Andorid phone.

Over 50,000 people have already downloaded the iPhone app, which was launched in May last year, and now Sustrans has provided the mapping for Android phones. The free app uses Sustrans' OS based online mapping facility and it has been specifically designed to help people make more of their everyday journeys on foot or by bike.

Martyn Brunt, Sustrans National Cycle Network Development Manager, said, "The iPhone app has proved a great success in allowing thousands of people to find safe and direct walking and cycling routes while on the go.

"The high standards Sustrans has applied in developing the National Cycle Network mean it shows the best routes for walking and cycling across the UK, and the level of local detail, no matter where you are, makes it a great 'go-to' app for local knowledge, everyday travel or leisure.

"When we released the iphone app last year, our most-asked question was: 'when can I get this on Android?', so we're delighted to be able to satisfy that clear demand."

The app includes 25,000 miles of route - including all 13,000 miles of award winning National Cycle Network and a further 12,000 miles of regional and local routes and links. Whether it is for picking your way through an urban metropolis to work, winding through the countryside for leisure, finding a traffic-free route to school, a challenging bike ride or a fun family day out, 'The complete National Cycle Network' app has something for everyone.

Sustrans mapping doesn't just provide routes, it highlights local grocery shops, schools, libraries, museums, sports centres and other local amenities, along with leisure attractions, places of interest and information on car clubs, bike shops and public transport.

All routes have been assessed and approved to be included in the mapping and are shown at a 1:10000 scale. It integrates with the public transport network and provides links to the Transport Direct journey planning website, making it easier to get bus and train updates from any location so you can plan longer journeys. The app also recommends routes for easy local travel as well as more long distance ones for leisure walks and rides.

The latest route developments and additions to the Network will be updated fortnightly and you can plan and save routes or share them with your friends. You can also record and keep a GPS track of your route as you walk or ride along and centre the map on your current location.

'The complete National Cycle Network' app has been created by Isomaly and has been funded by the Scottish Government and Sustrans.

"The complete National Cycle Network " app is now available on iTunes for iPhone and the Android Market.

/ends

For further information please contact the Press Office

Telephone: 0117 927 7555; Fax: 0117 930 4149; E-mail: press@sustrans.org.uk.

Press Officer – Matthew Hemsley 0117 915 0123

Out of office hours – 07802 986728

Photo Librarians – Jonathan Bewley & Chandra Prasad 0117 915 0120 photos@sustrans.org.uk

ISDN line available for radio interviews

NOTES

Sustrans believes every child deserves to be free range, with freedom from their front door to explore, play outdoors, and make their own way to school and beyond. Find out more, join in and speak out for Free Range Kids at www.sustrans.org.uk/freerangekids

Sustrans' flagship project, the National Cycle Network, is now around 13,000 miles long and within one mile of 58 per cent of the British population. It carries over one million walking and cycling journeys every day.

Sustrans is calling on UK governments to invest in doubling the number of journeys under five miles made by foot, bike and public transport to four out of five by 2020.

There are around 3,000 volunteers helping with Sustrans' work.

New walking and cycling scheme unveiled in Belfast

Sustrans — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:31:06 +0000

Issued on: 3 February 2012

In Northern Ireland, plans for a new cycling and walking route linking the Comber Greenway and the Titanic Quarter have been unveiled today [Friday 3 February, 2012]

First Minister, Peter Robinson MLA, the Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness MLA, and Naomi Long MP came together at the new Belfast Metropolitan College campus in the Titanic Quarter to unveil the plans.

The route is being delivered by Sustrans, via the Big Lottery Fund, on behalf of Belfast City Council, DRD Roads Service, Belfast Harbour and Translink will run through Ballymacarrett to the new £90 million Titanic Belfast visitor attraction and will allow residents in east Belfast to access Titanic Quarter safely and easily, without needing a car.

As part of the scheme, an old access road into the former docks area will be re-opened, allowing users to avoid busy roads but enjoy a quick and direct link into Titanic Quarter. Four new crossings will be installed at Kings Road, Beersbridge Road, Dee Street and Sydenham Road, and the Bridge End railway halt also will be upgraded, with improved pedestrian and cycle access. Titanic Quarter is also easily accessible by foot or cycle from the River Lagan pathways.

The Mayor said: "This is an invaluable project which will greatly enhance access to the Titanic Quarter for the people of east Belfast, and beyond, whether they are going to work there, visit the new Titanic Belfast centre or study here at Belfast Met.

"Belfast City Council is committed not only to opening up the city and making it accessible to all, but also to encouraging people to adopt healthier lifestyles, through walking and cycling, for example. This scheme – which I am delighted to say is only one of many being developed across the city – fulfils both of those objectives and the council is delighted to support it."

Steven Patterson, Director of Sustrans Northern Ireland, added: "Local people want to make more of their everyday journeys on foot and by bike – this new route will mean many more will be able to get around actively and safely. The Greenways in Belfast are hugely popular with locals and visitors alike and this new section will complete a strategic link.

"We thank the Mayor for his support and welcome the First and Deputy First Ministers, who have come to see the project for themselves. We hope they will be inspired to go the extra mile with support for cycling and walking routes right across Northern Ireland."

Frank Hewitt, Big Lottery Fund NI Chair, concluded: "Sustrans was awarded £50m from the Big Lottery Fund's 'Living Landmarks: People's Millions' competition to create new cycling and walking routes to improve local travel in communities across the United Kingdom.

"One of those routes is the scheme linking the Comber Greenway to the Titanic Quarter and I am delighted that work is beginning on this important project, which will create a safe and traffic-free route for local people."

/ends

For further information, please refer media enquiries to:

Mark Ashby, Media Relations Officer, Belfast City Council

Tel: +44 (0)28 9027 0641

NOTES:

Details of the new walking and cycle way will be unveiled by the Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile, at Belfast Metropolitan College, Queen's Road, at 10am today (Friday 3 February). Among the guests at the announcement will be the First Minister, Peter Robinson MLA, the Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness MLA, and Naomi Long MP, who all have been long-term supporters of the Comber Greenway project.

Funding for the project has come from Sustrans, via the Big Lottery Fund, alongside Belfast City Council, DRD Roads Service, Belfast Harbour and Translink.

Information for journalists

Sustrans — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:19:26 +0000

What we do

You probably already know we're the charity behind the National Cycle Network, but the name Sustrans stands for much more. We are pioneers in giving youngsters safe and healthy travel options through our Safe Routes to Schools, our Active Travel team work with the health sector to encourage more walking and cycling and our Travel Smart pilot projects are already persuading people to look at alternative ways of getting from A to B. We also have a major public art project - Art and The Travelling Landscape - curating the UK's largest open-air art gallery with practical and decorative works on many of our routes. And our team of around 2,400 Volunteer Rangers look after the Network.

Sustrans' work with central and local government brings us closer to the transport issues that affect our daily lives, from the health and safety of travel choices to the practical function of our Network of cycle routes.

What we can offer

Our colleagues have expertise ranging from engineering to environmental education. We also have national and regional offices around the UK and the Press Office Team can put you in touch with the appropriate contact whether you are working on a national, regional or local story. If you are looking for photographs to illustrate your piece we have an electronic library of over 8,000 high-quality cycling and walking-related images.

Your contacts in the Press Office are:

Head of Media - Nicky Stocks 0207 7807207

Senior Press Officer - Wendy Johnson: 0117 915 0128

Press Officer - Matt Hemsley: 0117 915 0123

Press Officer - Carly Rudrum: 0117 915 0127

Photographer/photo librarian - Jon Bewley (Mon/Wed/Thu), Chandra Prasad (Tue/Fri): 0117 915 0120

General Press Office: 0117 927 7555 or email: press@sustrans.org.uk

Out of hours media enquiries: 07802 986728 (mobile)

ISDN Line available

Please email press@sustrans.org.uk if you would like to join the press office mailing list.

Kennedy launches construction of new traffic-free bridge in Ballymoney

Sustrans — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:17:03 +0000

Issued on: Wednesday 1 February, 2012

Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has launched a £1.3million investment project in Ballymoney that will benefit cyclists, pedestrians and rail users.

The project will see the construction of a new, fully accessible, traffic-free bridge at Ballymoney Train Station that will provide a new safe and direct link between the north and south of the town, avoiding busy roads.

It will also provide improved access to station platforms and provide an additional 35 park and ride spaces for the increasing number of people travelling by rail.

Danny Kennedy said: "Today sees the result of successful partnership working between the Department for Regional Development, Translink, Ballymoney Borough Council and national charity Sustrans. That determined partnership has delivered investment to Ballymoney and the public transport infrastructure.

"Along with DRD funding of £940,000 the scheme was submitted under a Sustrans bid for Big Lottery funding of £425,000. I commend the work and additional financial contribution of all the partners involved in the successful enterprise."

The new footbridge will have ramped access which provides disabled access to the station platforms and also provides an alternative means for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the railway line as they travel between Riverside Park and the town along the new footpath and cycle path.

Translink/NITHC Chairman John Trethowan said: "This project provides both local people and visitors to Ballymoney with safe and convenient access links making sustainable transport options more integrated and accessible. These exciting developments will also support growing demand for rail services as we continue to roll out 20 new trains across the network.

"We would like to thank all our partners for essential project funding and will keep the local community informed on progress as we work hard to deliver attractive travel solutions for everyone," said Mr Trethowan.

Steven Patterson, Director of Sustrans Northern Ireland, said, "This bridge will help more people leave their cars at home and get active when travelling into town. We're delighted that the Minister is backing this exciting project, and hope that he'll be inspired to champion more walking and cycling for communities across Northern Ireland."

The scheme is part of a UK-wide project from charity Sustrans, which is delivering new routes for everyday walking and cycling journeys in communities across the UK.

Ballymoney Mayor and project Steering Group chairperson, Councillor Ian Stevenson said: "This exciting initiative began just over five years ago in October 2006 and today's event represents the culmination of much hard work and determination to see this project come to fruition.

"The new infrastructure will be of enormous benefit to Ballymoney residents and visitors and highlights the positive achievements of partnership working at a local level."

The work on the scheme is due for completion by August this year.

Notes to editors:

All media queries to Department for Regional Development Press Office Tel 028 9054 0004. Out of office hours please contact the Daily Press Office via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.Sustrans is the charity that's enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we make every day. It's time we all began making smarter travel choices. Make your move and support Sustrans today. Visit the Sustrans website.In 2007, as part of their Living Landmarks programme, the Big Lottery Fund awarded Sustrans £50million to create new walking and cycling links for everyday journeys in communities across the UK. The project will see new routes crossing road, river and rail to break down the barriers to making local journeys on foot or by bike.

New active school travel target welcomed

Sustrans — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:08:25 +0000

Issused on: Tuesday 22 November, 2011

The sustainable transport charity, Sustrans, has welcomed the inclusion in the Draft Programme for Government of a new target for increasing the number of children walking and cycling to school.

The charity had encouraged the Northern Ireland Executive to include an active school travel target in the Programme after it emerged that the proportion of children who walk or cycle to school here is much lower than in Great Britain.

The Draft Programme for Government states that the Executive wants 36% of all primary school pupils and 22% of all post-primary pupils to be walking or cycling to school by 2015.

At present, just 32% of primary school children and 21% of secondary school pupils in Northern Ireland use an active mode of travel to commute to school, compared to half of all primary school children and two-fifths of all secondary school pupils in Great Britain.

Steven Patterson, Sustrans Director in Northern Ireland, said: "We're delighted that the Executive has taken up our proposal and that it has provisionally committed itself to this modest but achievable target. Increasing active travel to school will help ease congestion on our roads while improving the health and development of our young people.

"We expect the Executive will now put in place sufficient investment to fund a package of active school travel measures which will ensure that the target is achieved or even surpassed."

The new target has also been welcomed by schools which have already been involved in projects led by Sustrans aimed at encouraging more children to walk and cycle to school.

Stephen Harrison, Principal of Gilnahirk Primary School in east Belfast, said: "I very much welcome this news. There's no doubt that children who walk or cycle to school arrive in a better frame of mind, having clearly enjoyed their journey. It really sets up them up for their day both physically and mentally."

Peter Campbell, Principal of Hezlett Primary School in Castlerock, said: "This is great news. Hardly any pupils used to walk to school but, since Sustrans worked with us, we've seen a big increase in active travel. We'd certainly encourage other schools to get involved in this type of programme."

Sustrans has already piloted a Safe Routes to School scheme at 18 rural schools across Northern Ireland which resulted in big increases in the proportion of children walking and cycling to school, and a significant drop in car use.

"We certainly believe that the success of our approach, working in partnership with government agencies and the school community, can be replicated in schools across Northern Ireland," explained Steven.

"This is a very timely move because many families are worried about the rising price of petrol, and there's also a great deal of concern about childhood obesity and fitness levels.

"We're confident that this initiative will be welcomed by both parents and children, and look forward to working with the Executive to help ensure that this target is realised."

Active school travel – how Northern Ireland rates:

While 50% of all primary school children walk or cycle to school in Great Britain, just 32% of their counterparts in Northern Ireland travel actively to school 52% of primary school children in Northern Ireland commute to school by car, compared to just 42% of primary school children in Great Britain While 42% of all secondary school pupils walk or cycle to school in Great Britain, just 21% of post-primary pupils in Northern Ireland travel actively to school

/ends

For further information please contact Liz Fawcett, Liz Fawcett Consulting on 028 9020 0811 or 0771 943 5662

NOTES

Sustrans' Rural Safe Routes to School project involved a 21-month programme of intensive work and infrastructure measures at 18 schools across Northern Ireland. The programme, which was funded by a number of Executive departments, achieved the following results:

a reduction in the proportion of children travelling to school by car from 64% to 50%an increase in the number of children cycling to school – up from 5% to 10%a rise in the number of children walking to school – up from 20% to 28%

Sustrans is calling on UK governments to invest in doubling the number of journeys under five miles made by foot, bike and public transport to four out of five by 2020.

Kids set cycling challenge for politicians

Sustrans — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:06:17 +0000

Issued on: Wednesday 25 January, 2012

Members of an Assembly committee which normally scrutinises the work of an Executive department were themselves subjected to close scrutiny by pupils at an east Belfast primary school earlier today [Wednesday, 25th January].

The Committee for Regional Development was visiting Gilnahirk Primary School to find out more about the work which the school has undertaken in partnership with the charity, Sustrans, to encourage its children to walk and cycle to school.

Gilnahirk is one of eight Belfast schools at which Sustrans has been delivering its Bike It programme, which aims to develop children's cycling skills and their confidence in their ability to cycle safely.

After participating in Bike It, nearly a quarter (24%) of the school's Key Stage 2 pupils now cycle to school at least once a week, while the proportion commuting by bike every day has risen from 1% to 4%.

To ensure the politicians got a real flavour of the project, the pupils devised a 'cycling challenge' for the Committee members and assessed each one on their performance on a bike.

Most of the MLAs received surprisingly high marks from the children and all avoided falling off their bikes.

Committee Chairman, Jimmy Spratt MLA, said the Committee's members really enjoyed the pupils' cycling challenge and were impressed with what they had seen:

"Bike It is a very valuable programme, not just because of the positive messages around the health benefits that can be accrued by cycling and walking, but also because it teaches children to be aware of their actions and how they contribute to protecting the environment.

"It is important that these messages are given at an early stage, allowing children to carry them through their lives".

Stephen Harrison, Principal of Gilnahirk Primary School, said the school had been delighted to welcome the MLAs:

"We're honoured that the Committee for Regional Development took the time to find out first-hand about the success which we've had, in partnership with Sustrans, in persuading more children to cycle and walk to school.

"There's no doubt that children who walk or cycle to school arrive in a better frame of mind, having clearly enjoyed their journey. It really sets up them up for their day both physically and mentally."

The Northern Ireland Executive has included a target for increasing the proportion of children who walk and cycle to school in its Draft Programme for Government.

Steven Patterson, Northern Ireland Director of Sustrans, said the Committee's visit was particularly timely in the light of that target:

"Encouraging active school travel creates a 'win win' for everyone – it improves pupils' health and fitness, it reduces rush hour congestion and carbon emissions, and it helps families to save on petrol costs."

"We're really pleased that the Committee for Regional Development has highlighted the potential for increasing active school travel through this visit."

The Draft Programme for Government states that the Executive wants 36% of all primary school pupils and 22% of all post-primary pupils to be walking or cycling to school by 2015.

Cycling levels have risen dramatically at the eight Belfast schools where Sustrans has been implementing its Bike It programme.

The average proportion of pupils commuting by bike has almost trebled at those schools – from 5% before the Bike It programme to 14% after just over a year of participation in the project.

/ends

NOTES

For more information, please contact Liz Fawcett, Liz Fawcett Consulting on 028 9020 0811 or 0771 943 5662.

Sustrans is the charity that's enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we make every day. It's time we all began making smarter travel choices. Make your move and support Sustrans today. For more information about Sustrans, see: www.sustrans.org.uk More information about Sustrans' Bike It programme can be found at: http://www.sustrans.org.uk/what-we-do/bike-it

Strandtown pupils pedal to bronze award

Sustrans — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:48:34 +0000

Issued on: Thursday 26 January, 2012

On Friday 20 January, Strandtown Primary School in Belfast received a bronze School Mark Award from UK charity, Sustrans. The award recognises the school for its dedication to transforming the journey to school, by encouraging more pupils to cycle.

A ceremony was held at the school where Irish BMX legend Captain Matt G, head coach of sport at T13 and captain of the Ramprage BMX Demo Team, presented the award to congratulate children, parents and teachers for their efforts in increasing pupils cycling levels. Sustrans began working with the school in September 2010 to encourage children and parents to choose two wheels for the school run. In the last year the number of pupils regularly cycling to school has more than quadrupled with nearly 15 percent of the pupils at Strandtown Primary School now regularly cycling to school, much higher than the national average of just two per cent.

Over the last year, Sustrans officer Beth Harding has worked with teachers and pupils to organise various events and classroom based curriculum activities to give the children the knowledge and skills to enable them to cycle safely.

She comments, "I'm delighted that Strandtown Primary School has achieved a bronze Sustrans School Mark award; it highlights all of the hard work put in by the children, teachers and parents. The school is really dedicated to inspiring children onto their bikes, to reduce the effects of the school run on the environment and to encourage healthy and active lifestyles."

Sustrans works with 16 schools in Northern Ireland, in partnership with the Public Health Agency, Sport Northern Ireland, Bike Hub, Active Belfast and DRD Travelwise.

Sustrans' 'Free Range Kids' campaign aims to create environments that encourage independent, active children. It calls for area-wide 20mph speed limits in residential and built up areas and investment from government in safe routes to make walking and cycling the norm for local journeys, particularly the school run.

To support the campaign, find out how free range your kids are and find out information and advice on how kids can be more active everyday, go to www.sustrans.org.uk/freerangekids

The Sustrans website - www.sustrans.org.uk - has a free online map service to discover how to get around everyday on foot or by bike. Search for local or national routes, plot journeys, or find what the local area has to offer from schools, supermarkets and local landmarks to car clubs, bus stops and bike shops.

/ends

For further information please contact:

Matt Hemsley in the Sustrans press office on 0117 9150 123 (Direct Line)

matthew.hemsley@sustrans.org.uk

Press Office telephone: 0117 927 7555; Fax: 0117 930 4149

Email: press@sustrans.org.uk

Out of office hours: 07802 986 728

Photo Library – Jonathan Bewley & Chandra Prasad 0117 915 0120 photos@sustrans.org.uk

ISDN line available for radio interviews

NOTES

Sustrans' flagship project, the National Cycle Network, is now around 13,000 miles long and within one mile of 55 per cent of the UK population. It carries over one million walking and cycling journeys every day.Sustrans works with schools to increase the number of young people cycling to school and on other journeys.Over the 2009/10 academic year there was a doubling of cycling levels in schools working with Sustrans.

There are currently 58 Sustrans Bike It officers in post across England and Wales, working with over 1000 schools in 53 local authoritiesThe project receives funding from the Department for Transport, Bike Hub – the cycle industry levy, the Big Lottery Fund's Well-being Programme, the National Assembly for Wales, Transport for London and support from partner local authorities.

Sustrans is calling on UK governments to invest in doubling the number of journeys under five miles made by foot, bike and public transport to four out of five by 2020. Sustrans believes every child deserves to be free range, with freedom from their front door to explore, play outdoors, and make their own way to school and beyond. Find out more, join in and speak out for Free Range Kids at www.sustrans.org.uk/freerangekids

Scottish government should back active travel, not more new roads - Sustrans

Sustrans — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:47:53 +0000

Issued on: Wednesday 11 January, 2012

Following today's protest in Edinburgh against proposed cuts to Scotland's active travel budget, charity Sustrans has called on the Scottish government to give the necessary financial backing to schemes that would make Scotland healthier and greener.

John Lauder, Director of Sustrans Scotland, said, "The Scottish government talks boldly about cutting carbon and helping our nation become fitter and healthier.

"Making it easier and safer for Scottish people to walk and cycle for their everyday journeys is a key part of achieving both of these aims, and for what is a relatively small amount of the transport budget.

“Rather than increasing the budget for new road at the expense of active travel, the Scottish government should maintain the level of funding from the last four years, which has made such a difference to how people travel and helping Scotland become greener and healthier.”

/ends

For further information please contact the Press Office

Telephone: 0117 927 7555; Fax: 0117 930 4149; E-mail: press@sustrans.org.uk.

Press Officer – Matthew Hemsley 0117 915 0123

Press Officer – Carly Rudrum 0117 915 0127

Out of office hours – 07802 986728

Photo Librarians – Jonathan Bewley & Chandra Prasad 0117 915 0120 photos@sustrans.org.uk

ISDN line available for radio interviews

NOTES

Sustrans is calling on UK governments to invest in doubling the number of journeys under five miles made by foot, bike and public transport to four out of five by 2020.

In Scotland, around 2,000 miles of route are now open.

Bike winner will use prize to tackle the school journey

Sustrans — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:13:44 +0000

Issued on: Wednesday 11 January, 2012

Issy O’Rourke (10) from Lincoln has been awarded a brand new bike from charity Sustrans and leading bike retailer Specialized, and plans to use it to cycle the nine-mile journey to school.

Issy and her family took part in a ‘Fresh Air Miles’ event last Summer organised by Sustrans and Specialized. They took a 12-mile cycle ride along the traffic-free Fossdyke Canal Trail past Burton Waters to Saxilby and back, and entered the competition to win the bike on the day.

Issy says; ‘It’s an awesome bike. I never thought I would win but I’m so pleased I have. I’ll start using it straight away. We go out as a family on our bikes most weekends. Clumber Park is one of our favourites so I expect I’ll take it there. Then when the weather gets better I can start doing the journey to school by bike. I can’t wait.’

The Lincoln event was one of 100 Fresh Air Miles events held last Summer and more are planned to take place later this year.

Matt Easter, Sustrans’ Regional Director in the East Midlands, said: ’For a free and fun family activity, there is little to rival a bike ride. Sustrans and Specialized wanted the Fresh Air Miles to inspire a sense of freedom and achievement among everyone who took part. Our current Free Range Kids campaign is all about encouraging and enabling young people to be more active and independent. Issy will be the embodiment of that by putting her new bike to great use and cycling to school.’

Further details of the 2012 Fresh Air Miles events will be available in the coming months at www.sustrans.org.uk/freshairmiles In the meantime find out more about cycling with children and young people at www.sustrans.org.uk/freerangekids

/ends

For further information please contact the Press Office

Telephone: 0117 927 7555; Fax: 0117 930 4149; E-mail: press@sustrans.org.uk.

Out of office hours – 07802 986728

Photo Librarians – Jonathan Bewley & Chandra Prasad 0117 915 0120 photos@sustrans.org.uk

ISDN line available for radio interviews

NOTES

Sustrans is the charity that’s enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we make every day. It’s time we all began making smarter travel choices. Make your move and support Sustrans today. www.sustrans.org.uk

Specialized have been active in youth cycling development since the company’s founding in 1974, by contributing to programs that positively impact young people of all ages. First Gear is a movement to get more kids riding bikes. Set a kid riding and you set them on a winning course for life: You help defeat childhood obesity and attention deficit disorders; you give them a chance to progress and even excel in a sport; and you develop healthy habits that last a lifetime. First Gear was created to do just that - for as many kids as possible. To discover easy ways you can get involved with this important mission, head to firstgear.specialized.com and click the ‘Join In’ button.

Rethinking travel helps spread festive goodwill

Sustrans — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:33:12 +0000

Issued on: Tuesday 20 December, 2011

People across Cardiff are already benefiting this Christmas from a project to reduce car use and to encourage people to make more of their short, local journeys by walking, cycling and using public transport.

Charity Sustrans began working with households in parts of Cardiff in September as part of a four-year Wales-wide project to give people more choices about how they travel for local trips.

After being given tailored information about the walking and cycling routes, and public transport services in her area, a resident in Llanedeyrn says: ‘The information I’ve been given has been really helpful, and I’ve been able to make journeys differently because of it. I’ve used the park and ride service to help out at the nativity in town and do Christmas shopping. It’s a service I didn’t use much before Sustrans contacted me.

She continues; ‘I was talking to a lady on the bus and she said to me “Oh I usually take the car, I don’t normally do this journey” and I said: “Well, you’d have missed chatting away, wouldn’t you?” It’s a social thing on the bus, you bump into somebody. In the car it’s not nearly as pleasant. You can’t communicate between cars.’

Similar projects in England have seen car trips reduced by around ten per cent and Sustrans expects to see similar results in the Welsh project areas.

The project is being funded by Welsh Government and led by Sustrans and partners Socialdata with Cardiff Council and Vale of Glamorgan Council during the first phase, which will see 63,000 households contacted in selected districts of Cardiff and Penarth. In the following phase the project will be rolled-out in Pontypridd, Barry and Caerphilly, followed by other Sustainable Transport Centres in Wales.

To find out more about the work of Sustrans Cymru, visit www.sustrans.org.uk./wales call 029 2065 0602 or email sustranscymru@sustrans.org.uk or visit http://keepingcardiffmoving.co.uk/

/ends

For further information please contact the Press Office

Telephone: 0117 927 7555; Fax: 0117 930 4149; E-mail: press@sustrans.org.uk

Wendy Johnson 0117 915 0128

Out of office hours – 07802 986728

Photo Librarians – Jonathan Bewley & Chandra Prasad 0117 915 0120 photos@sustrans.org.uk

ISDN line available for radio interviews

NOTES

Sustrans and Socialdata deliver the most successful examples of personalised travel planning in the UK and consistently achieve reductions in personal car use of 10 per cent or more.

A four-year programme of Personalised Travel Planning and Associated Initiatives began in Wales in Spring 2011, funded by the Welsh Government and led by Sustrans in partnership with Socialdata, local authorities and regional transport consortia. It will reach over 100,000 households across Wales, as well as workplaces and schools and is part of the Welsh Government's Sustainable Travel Centres initiative which was first introduced in 2009.

Cardiff Council is working in partnership with Sustrans and the Welsh Government in the delivery of the Keeping Cardiff Moving personalised travel planning project to households in Cardiff. The Welsh Government announced in 2009 that Cardiff through a joint venture with Cardiff Council would be Wales’ first Sustainable Travel City, providing real and desirable alternatives to car travel, delivering a mix of infrastructure improvements and a programme of smarter choice measures. www.keepingcardiffmoving.co.uk

More new routes to connect communities around Clydach

Sustrans — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:02:04 +0000

Issued on: Wednesday 30 November, 2011

Glais, Graig Felen and Craig-cefn-parc and Ynystawe will be linked by new traffic-free walking and cycling routes following planning approval for the second phase of a project enabling Clydach residents to make more of their everyday journeys without needing to rely on a car.

The new routes, which will link to work already taking place alongside the Swansea Canal, are taking advantage of a former railway line, including converting the Afan Tawe railway bridge into a shared-use path

More communities to the north of Clydach will be linked to the wider walking and cycling network, including National Cycle Network [NCN] route 43, thanks to a new route along 'The Lone'.

Helen Davies, Scheme Manager for Sustrans, said, "These new links are going to make a real difference to how local people make their everyday journeys in Clydach.

"We know that people are more likely to leave their car at home if there are safe, direct and attractive routes provided, and these new sections of NCN will provide just such a space."

Art to adorn former railway bridge

The upgraded Afan Tawe bridge will also include public artwork showcasing the area's industrial history, after Angharad Pearce-Jones's piece reflecting the coloured tubes of the nearby nickel plant, now the VALE Clydach Refinery was chosen to adorn the bridge.

Artist Pearce-Jones said, "I am delighted to have been selected for this prestigious commission. My company, Haearn-Designer Blacksmith Ltd, is based in the Amman Valley and we will be working closely with local suppliers and industry to produce the bridge enhancements. I am very excited to be given the opportunity to work on such a grand scale and I hope the end results will be both innovative and striking "

Helen Davies added, "Sustrans is one of the largest commissioners of public art in the UK, so we can't wait to see this great addition to the Afan Tawe bridge. As well as providing a point of intrigue along the route, the piece links to the heritage of Clydach, which will help future generations learn more about their local community."

Funding from the Big Lottery Fund, via charity Sustrans, the Welsh Government, the European Regional Development Fund and the Swansea Canal Society will been used for the routes, which are part of a national Sustrans project providing new routes for everyday journeys in communities across the UK.

/ends

For more information on Sustrans or to request interviews, please contact

Matt Hemsley, Sustrans Press Office

Tel 0117 915 0123 / Email: matthew.hemsley@sustrans.org.uk

For pictures, please contact Sustrans Picture Library

Tel: 0117 915 0120 Email photos@sustrans.org.uk

Press Office Out of office hours – 07802 986728

ISDN line available for radio interviews

NOTES

Sustrans is the charity that's enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we make every day. Our work makes it possible for people to choose healthier, cleaner and cheaper journeys, with better places and spaces to move through and live in. It's time we all began making smarter travel choices. Make your move and support Sustrans today. www.sustrans.org.uk

In 2007, as part of their Living Landmarks programme, the Big Lottery Fund awarded Sustrans £50million to create new walking and cycling links for everyday journeys in communities across the UK. The project will see new routes crossing road, river and rail to break down the barriers to making local journeys on foot or by bike.

There are around 3.000 volunteers helping to look after the National Cycle Network.

Sustrans is calling on UK governments to invest in doubling the number of journeys under five miles made by foot, bike and public transport to four out of five by 2020.

The Big Lottery Fund, the largest of the National Lottery good cause distributors, has been rolling out grants to health, education, environment and charitable causes across the UK since its inception in June 2004. It was established by Parliament on 1 December 2006.

Big Lottery Fund Press Office: 020 7211 1888

Out of hours: 07867 500 572

Full details of Big Lottery Fund projects and grant awards are available at: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk

New walking and cycling routes on the way in Rugby

Sustrans — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:58:19 +0000

Issued on: Monday 28 November, 2011

Work has begun on a new project in Rugby that will allow local residents to make more of their everyday journeys on foot or by bike.

Sustrans and Rugby Borough Council are working together to create a series of new traffic-free routes that will link communities to workplaces, including the Glebe Farm Industrial Estate, schools, shops, the railway station and other routes, including the National Cycle Network.

The first phase of the scheme will see a walking and cycling path created on the green space between Quarry Close and Consul Road, with barriers being re-adjusted to allow access for wheelchair users and those with children in buggies.

Yvonne Gilligan, Sustrans' Regional Director in the West Midlands, said, "It's great news that work is starting on these new routes in Rugby, which are going to make a real difference to how people make their everyday journeys in the town.

"We know that people are more likely to walk and cycle for their everyday journeys when safe, direct and attractive routes are provided and the new routes in Rugby will deliver just that."

Cllr Heather Timms, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for economy, development and culture, said, "The Viaduct Cycleway project will bring lasting benefit to Rugby residents, particularly in the north and west of the town, and is in line with our regeneration strategy.

"I am pleased that this project is now underway and am looking forward to seeing the spectacular viaduct brought back into use at some point next year."

The centrepiece of the new scheme will see a new walking and cycling link installed on the listed eleven-arch Leicester Road Viaduct,. linking to new routes and networks and the existing Black Path, the scheme will provide direct, traffic-free routes allowing residents to get into the centre of town.

The work is part of a national project from Sustrans, the charity enabling people to make more of their everyday journeys by foot, bike and public transport. Thanks to a £50million grant from the Big Lottery Fund, communities across the UK will benefit from new walking and cycling links overcoming the barriers to making everyday journeys without a car. Part of this grant is making its way to Rugby, alongside funding from Rugby Borough Council.

/ends

For more information on Sustrans or to request interviews, please contact

Matt Hemsley, Sustrans Press Office

Tel 0117 915 0123 / Email: matthew.hemsley@sustrans.org.uk

For pictures, please contact Sustrans Picture Library

Tel: 0117 915 0120 Email photos@sustrans.org.uk

Press Office Out of office hours – 07802 986728

ISDN line available for radio interviews

NOTES

There are around 3.000 volunteers helping to look after the National Cycle Network.

Sustrans is calling on UK governments to invest in doubling the number of journeys under five miles made by foot, bike and public transport to four out of five by 2020.

Big Lottery Fund Press Office: 020 7211 1888

Out of hours: 07867 500 572

Full details of Big Lottery Fund projects and grant awards are available at: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk

Work starts on Derry’s Waterside Greenway

Sustrans — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:40:20 +0000

Issued on: Monday 14 November, 2011

Work is set to begin on the new Waterside Greenway in Derry-Londonderry, which will provide a new link connecting communities to the east of the Peace Bridge providing a safe and direct traffic-free route into town.

Charity Sustrans and Derry City Council are working together to enable more residents the chance to get around the city on foot or by bike, providing new traffic-free routes that will link residential areas to shops, schools and places of employment. The Waterside Greenway will link to the eastern side of the new Peace Bridge, which is providing a striking traffic-free crossing of the River Foyle.

The new greenway is part of a national project from Sustrans, delivering new routes for everyday walking and cycling journeys in communities across the UK. The project received £50million from the Big Lottery Fund in 2007, with part of that grant making its way to Derry-Londonderry, with other funding coming from the city council, DRD-TravelwiseNI and Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA).

The Mayor Alderman Maurice Devenney, said, "I am delighted to see the commencement of Phase 1 of this important project for the city. The Council is committed to developing a high quality riverside greenway network which is identified as a key priority in the Access Plan (2009-2014). The new Greenway will make a real and positive difference to how people will make their everyday journeys across the city and help take us one step closer towards a traffic-free greenway on both sides of the Foyle."

The routes are all being designed to enable more Derry residents the opportunity to use the already successful Peace Bridge for their everyday journeys.

Ross McGill, Scheme Manager for Sustrans, said, "It's fantastic news that work is about to start on the new Waterside Greenway, which will make a real difference to how people make their everyday journeys in Derry.

"Many residents travel into the city centre for their everyday journeys and this route will help even more people take advantage of the new Peace Bridge. It also means that people from across the city will be one step closer to a traffic-free greenway on both sides of the Foyle."

Tom Reid, from DRD Travelwise, added, "Travelwise is delighted to be associated with the development of the new Waterside Greenway and looks forward to significant increases in the numbers of people choosing cycling and walking as realistic options for travel across the city and indeed further afield."

Frank Hewitt, Big Lottery Fund NI Chair, said: "Sustrans was awarded £50m from the Big Lottery Fund's Living Landmarks: People's Millions competition to create new cycling and walking routes to improve local travel in communities across the UK.

"One of those routes is the Waterside Greenway and I am delighted that work is beginning on this important project which will create a safe and traffic-free route for people to walk or cycle around the city".

The new routes will link to the eastern side of the Peace Bridge and into St Columb's Park, providing access to the spectacular new facilities the park has to offer. The next phase of the project will see the riverside greenway opened up for a further 3km to the Foyle Bridge, providing access to the waterfront from the Waterside for the first time in living memory, and linking to communities along the route.

/ends

For more information on Sustrans or to request interviews, please contact

Matt Hemsley, Sustrans Press Office

Tel 0117 915 0123 / Email: matthew.hemsley@sustrans.org.uk

For pictures, please contact Sustrans Picture Library

Tel: 0117 915 0120 Email photos@sustrans.org.uk

Press Office Out of office hours – 07802 986728

ISDN line available for radio interviews

NOTES

For more information on the Derry Access Plan, please visit:

http://www.derrycity.gov.uk/access/home

There are around 3.000 volunteers helping to look after the National Cycle Network.

Sustrans is calling on UK governments to invest in doubling the number of journeys under five miles made by foot, bike and public transport to four out of five by 2020.

Big Lottery Fund Press Office: 020 7211 1888

Out of hours: 07867 500 572

Full details of Big Lottery Fund projects and grant awards are available at: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk

‘Puddlers Bridge’ will connect communities in Merthyr

Sustrans — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:23:59 +0000

Issued on: Friday 11 November, 2011

The 'Puddlers Bridge' will soon provide a new walking and cycling route over the A4040 in Merthyr Tydfil following a suggestion from Pentrebach resident Alan Lewis, after a competition run by charity Sustrans.

The bridge is due to be installed by early next year and become the centrepiece of a new walking and cycling scheme that will link Pentrebach with the centre of Merthyr Tydfil, providing residents with safe and attractive routes to make their everyday journeys without needing to rely on a car.

Alan Lewis came up with the name 'Puddlers Bridge' to highlight the history of the local area. He said, "Puddlers used to work in the iron industry that was so important to this part of south Wales, converting the pig iron into wrought iron which was suitable for welding.

"I'm delighted that the name has been chosen for this bridge, enabling future generations the chance to find out more about the history of this area."

Alan wins a £25 meal voucher for TableTable, donated by the Pentrebach restaurant, for coming up with the winning entry.

Rachel Lister, Scheme Manger for Sustrans, said, "Alan's winning entry will really help the bridge become part of the local community, allowing local people to pass on some of the history of the area.

"We can't wait for the bridge to be installed early in the new year, providing a safe crossing of the A-road and allowing residents of Pentrebach the chance to make their everyday journeys into Merthyr quickly and safely without needing to get in their car."

Working in conjunction with Merthyr Tydfil Country Borough Council, the scheme is part of a national project from charity Sustrans', building new walking and cycling routes for everyday journeys in communities across the UK. The project is part-funded thanks to a £50million from the Big Lottery Fund in 2007.

The scheme will also become part of a series of new walking and cycling links right across the Welsh valleys, which has received funding from the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Assembly Government.

/ends

For more information on Sustrans or to request interviews, please contact

Matt Hemsley, Sustrans Press Office

Tel 0117 915 0123 / Email: matthew.hemsley@sustrans.org.uk

For pictures, please contact Sustrans Picture Library

Tel: 0117 915 0120 Email photos@sustrans.org.uk

Press Office Out of office hours – 07802 986728

ISDN line available for radio interviews

NOTES

There are around 3.000 volunteers helping to look after the National Cycle Network.

Sustrans' Connect2 is a UK-wide project that will transform local travel in communities, creating new bridges and crossings to overcome busy roads, rivers and railways, and linking these to networks of walking and cycling routes, making it easier for millions of people to walk and cycle for everyday journeys.

Sustrans' Connect2 won £50 million from the Big Lottery Fund's Living Landmarks: The People's Millions as a result of a public vote televised on ITV1 in December 2007. This is the largest ever single lottery grant. Combined with match funding, the project is worth £142million.

Sustrans is calling on UK governments to invest in doubling the number of journeys under five miles made by foot, bike and public transport to four out of five by 2020.

Big Lottery Fund Press Office: 020 7211 1888

Out of hours: 07867 500 572

Full details of Big Lottery Fund projects and grant awards are available at: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk

Dumfries residents choose who to immortalise in steel

Sustrans — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:16:21 +0000

Issued on: Thursday 10 November, 2011

Dumfries residents have chosen three figures to be immortalised in steel as part of a national art project from charity Sustrans.

Schoolchildren, community councils and readers of Dumfries and Galloway Council's 'GoSmart' e-mail all voted to see which characters, with links to the area, would be honoured.

Now writer of Peter Pan, JM Barrie; a founding member of local charity 'Food Train' Jean Mundell; and the blacksmith credited with inventing the rear-wheel drive bicycle, Kirkpatrick McMillan will join 240 other characters across the UK.

The simple bench and lifesize 2-D portraits will be placed alongside the new Queen of the South viaduct walking and cycling route in Dumfries, which is enabling people in the town to make more of their everyday journeys on foot or by bike.

Rowena Colpitts/John Lauder of Sustrans Scotland, said, "These characters are a great reflection of the history of Dumfries, and the different people who have made an impact here.

"We know that people are more likely to make their local journeys on foot or by bike when they enjoy their surroundings, and this public artwork is a fantastic way of making the routes attractive and interesting."

Roger Grant, Chair of the Council's Planning, Housing & Environment Services Committee said, "Since the opening of the viaduct, GoSmart Dumfries has encouraged use of the cycle network and urged people to adopt more sustainable forms of travel. One of the key features of this has been our development of high quality maps detailing the town's extensive cycle path network.

"The new installation will celebrate a range of Dumfries' innovative people, and we hope it will help inspire more people to explore the cycling and walking path network in Dumfries."

The new route is part of a national project from charity Sustrans, delivering new links for everyday walking and cycling journeys in communities across the UK. The national project was awarded £50million from the Big Lottery Fund in 2007, with part of this money making its way to Dumfries, alongside funding from Dumfries and Galloway Council. The portrait bench is paid for by the Big Lottery Fund grant.

/ends

For more information on Sustrans or to request interviews, please contact

Matt Hemsley, Sustrans Press Office

Tel 0117 915 0123 / Email: matthew.hemsley@sustrans.org.uk

For pictures, please contact Sustrans Picture Library

Tel: 0117 915 0120 Email photos@sustrans.org.uk

Press Office Out of office hours – 07802 986728

ISDN line available for radio interviews

NOTES

There are around 3.000 volunteers helping to look after the National Cycle Network.

Sustrans is calling on UK governments to invest in doubling the number of journeys under five miles made by foot, bike and public transport to four out of five by 2020.

Big Lottery Fund Press Office: 020 7211 1888

Out of hours: 07867 500 572

Full details of Big Lottery Fund projects and grant awards are available at: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk

Mineral Greenway helps Knowsley residents get round town under their own steam

Sustrans — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:14:51 +0000

Issued on: Thursday 10 November, 2011

New traffic-free cycling routes linking communities in Huyton and Whiston are now open, allowing people to cycle safely and easily around the local area for the journeys they make everyday.

Knowsley Council and Sustrans have worked with the local community on the project which uses sections of the former Mineral Railway line, running through Stadt Moers Park and linking with the Whiston Greenway.

The new routes will provide links from local communities to schools, workplaces, shops and the Whiston Hospital, providing a new network for making everyday journeys without having to rely on a car.

The scheme forms part of a national project from charity Sustrans, delivering new walking and cycling routes for local journeys in communities across the UK. The national project was awarded £50million from the Big Lottery Fund in 2007, following a public vote.

Knowsley Council made the successful bid for funding as part of their commitment to improving green transport opportunities in Knowsley. Now it hopes that, by providing a safe and largely traffic-free cycle route, more and more people will leave their cars at home in favour of more environmentally friendly and healthier transport.

Cllr Dave Lonergan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, said, "This new cycleway is already providing local people with an alternative way of getting around the borough that is environmentally friendly, cheaper and also good for their health.

"It is already being well used and we hope that, as word spreads, useage will only increase."

Public artwork

A new piece of public artwork from charity Sustrans was unveiled today [Thursday 10], with a 'portrait bench' becoming a focal point on the new routes.

Joan Kershaw, a local cyclist who finished in bronze (1965) and silver (1970) positions at the National Road Race Championships will stand alongside a colliery worker to represent the community's mining heritage, and a nurse to represent the Whiston Hospital, which was built in 1865 on the site of a former workhouse.

Peter Foster, Sustrans' Regional Director in the North West said, "The Knowsley Mineral Greenway is going to make a real difference to how local people make their everyday journeys in Huyton and Whiston, providing safe, direct and attractive routes that will allow regular travel on foot or by bike.

"The portrait bench will be a fantastic addition to the route, we know that people are more likely to walk or cycle when their journeys are attractive and interesting, and public artwork provides a point of intrigue along the routes."

Each of the lottery-funded schemes will have a portrait bench, leading to 240 lifesize 2-D steel portraits in communities across the country. Characters already immortalised include Henry VIII in Havering; Stan Laurel in Blyth and Dick Wagstaff, a long-serving park ranger in the Afan Valley, South Wales.

The greenway sections of the Mineral Greenway route are now complete, and crossings of Pottery Lane and Cross Lane are due to be added later this year to complete the scheme, providing a route that will cross over two busy roads, and under the Liverpool-Manchester railway line and the M57, overcoming barriers to making everyday walking and cycling journeys in Huyton and Whiston.

And the cycleway looks set to be extended further in years to come with plans being developed by the Land Trust to develop and open up the former colliery site, providing a link to Cronton by creating an informal country park.

/ends

For more information on Sustrans or to request interviews, please contact

Matt Hemsley, Sustrans Press Office

Tel 0117 915 0123 / Email: matthew.hemsley@sustrans.org.uk

For further information from Knowsley Council, please contact

Gemma Melling, Press Officer

Tel 0151 443 3537 / Email gemma.melling@knowsley.gov.uk

For pictures, please contact Sustrans Picture Library

Tel: 0117 915 0120 Email photos@sustrans.org.uk

Press Office Out of office hours – 07802 986728

ISDN line available for radio interviews

NOTES

There are around 3.000 volunteers helping to look after the National Cycle Network.

Sustrans is calling on UK governments to invest in doubling the number of journeys under five miles made by foot, bike and public transport to four out of five by 2020.

Big Lottery Fund Press Office: 020 7211 1888

Out of hours: 07867 500 572

Full details of Big Lottery Fund projects and grant awards are available at: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk

New routes get Leeds residents on their bikes

Sustrans — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:30:46 +0000

Issued on: Monday 28 November 2011

New walking and cycling routes in Leeds are already making a difference to how local people make their everyday journeys.

Sustrans and Leeds City Council have developed the new additions to the city's core cycle network as part of a national project from the charity that is providing safe and direct routes linking communities to their schools, colleges, universities and wider networks of routes, including the National Cycle Network.

The Leeds Core Cycle Network (LCCN) is a network of 17 routes designed to help encourage cycling to work, to school and for leisure purposes. The routes will be signed and use a combination of cycle lanes, tracks, quiet roads and junction improvements.

The Alwoodley cycle route has been developed to add to existing cycle routes and quiet roads linking Alwoodley, Meanwood, Stainbeck and Little London to the city centre, while providing direct links to Cardinal Heenan Catholic High, Allerton High School and the Carr Manor schools along the way.

In the North East of the city, the new West Park route links through the Hyde Park and Headingley areas of the city, with its high student population, to the Leeds Metropolitan University's Headingley campus and the University of Leeds' city campus and the city centre.

Sara Buck uses the new route through Beckett Park to get to work every day. She said, "The improved cycle path through Beckett Park and the connecting path from the Campus to Harrowby Road have greatly improved my journey.

"I no longer have to worry about falling off whilst negotiating a slippery muddy, tree root and nettle ensnared path! It has made the journey a safer and more pleasurable experience. I can now cycle in all year round, which wasn't possible before."

Sustrans is also delivering a bike hire project with both universities, providing an affordable way for students to get around both the campuses and the local community.

Additionally the Middleton to City Centre and Wyke Beck Way Core Cycle Network routes have also been recently completed and there are plans for several more routes to be implemented over the next two years including the Armley to City Centre and Garforth to City Centre cycle routes.

David Hall, Sustrans' Regional Director for Yorkshire, said, "With families concerned about the rising cost of petrol prices, these new routes are allowing communities to make their everyday journeys without having to rely on a car.

"By providing a safe and direct link between Hyde Park area to both university campuses, we hope that even more students will be able to benefit from the bike hire scheme."

Cllr Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council's executive member for city development, said, "I am delighted that LCC's 71 mile Core Cycle Network is beginning to take shape as we implement the routes. We are particularly pleased that Sustrans has backed the network and is helping make it a big success. The 17 routes of the network will reach out from the city centre to the suburbs so I hope that more and more people will find they can save a bit of cash, get fitter, and do their bit for the environment on safe and convenient cycle routes."

Maps and further information the Leeds Core Cycle Network can be found by visiting www.leeds.gov.uk and clicking on 'Transport and Streets' then 'Walking and Cycling'.

/ends

For further information please contact the Press Office

Telephone: 0117 927 7555; Fax: 0117 930 4149; E-mail: press@sustrans.org.uk.

Acting Press & PR Manager – Wendy Johnson 0117 915 0128

Press Officer – Matthew Hemsley 0117 915 0123

Photo Librarians – Jonathan Bewley & Chandra Prasad 0117 915 0120 photos@sustrans.org.uk

ISDN line available for radio interviews

NOTES

Sustrans is calling on UK governments to invest in doubling the number of journeys under five miles made by foot, bike and public transport to four out of five by 2020.

There are around 3,000 volunteers helping with Sustrans' work.

Nottingham gets moving on two wheels

Sustrans — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:43:10 +0000

Issued on: Monday 21 November 2011

Cycling levels have increased in Nottingham, and car journeys declined, following the first phase of a project in the city enabling staff and students at the universities and hospital to make more of their everyday journeys on bike.

Charity Sustrans has been working with Nottingham University, Nottingham Trent University and the University Hospitals NHS Trust as part of the UCycle Nottingham project.

The first two years of the project has seen engagement with almost 7,000 individuals, and led to an increase in cycling levels among both staff and students, including an impressive 38% increase in cycling levels by staff at the University of Nottingham.

The project's high profile bike hire scheme has also had a positive effect, with regular cycling on the increase. The average number of hours cycled per week is up from two hours to five, and now 9-in-10 people surveyed cycling on three or more days per week, up from just 1-in-5 previously.

Christine Wheatley works at the hospital and is now back on her bike thanks to the project. She said, "I'd previously cycled only a handful of times as an early teenager, but I've barely been on a bike since. However, now I'm cycling to and from work regularly. It's really easy, I feel fitter and healthier and I'm saving a fortune compared to travelling in by car every day. What's more, it's quicker!

"I'm not sure that without the help and support I received whilst doing a cycle training course I would ever have got back on my bike, but thankfully it has happened. Ridewise also offer one-to-one tuition with local trainers in, which was a great confidence boost for me. I hope even more people in Nottingham will get the chance to benefit from this project."

Working in partnership, the project has delivered a number of different methods to enable people to get back on their bike. The bike hire scheme has perhaps been the most visual, but there has been cycle training, bike maintenance tips and new routes have been constructed to provide safe and direct links around the city.

Ellis Broomhall uses the bike hire scheme to make daily journeys from his home, in the Forest Fields are of the city, to study at Nottingham Trent University. He said, "When the bike hire scheme became available I signed up for the full year straight away. It seemed great value for money.

"It's made travel so much easier for me, popping down the shops during the day is now quicker than it was before, and if my friends are getting a lift home from the campus then I regularly beat them on my bike, as they are stuck in jams.

"The bike hire scheme is so easy, I can just grab a bike when I need one, and don't have to worry about the security of having a personal bike on campus. I'll certainly be renewing my annual pass!"

Matt Easter, Sustrans' Regional Director in the East Midlands said, "It's clear that in the initial year of this project we've been able to make a real difference to how staff and students at the universities and hospital get around Nottingham.

"As well as helping to reduce pollution and cutting carbon emissions, more people cycling will lead to a healthier Nottingham, and studies have shown that staff who travel actively into work are more productive and take fewer days off sick, which can only be good for the local economy."

The project will continue thanks to Nottingham City Council's successful bid to the government's Local Sustainable Transport Fund.

"We're delighted to be continuing this work in Nottingham and enabling more people to get around by bike," added Matt Easter. "We've achieved a great deal by working with just three employers in the city. We hope that other employers will take note of these results and that Sustrans can work even more widely in Nottingham to get more people travelling actively as part of their everyday routine."

Initially the members in the project were brought together by the Greater Nottingham Transport Partnership and their Chair, Gary Smerdon-White said, "The project has already delivered more in terms of cycling infrastructure and staff and students cycling than we ever envisaged when we started working with Sustrans on scoping the project, getting partner support and writing the business plan.

"The results to date and the extension of the project into FE will ensure a lasting and material change in travel behaviour in the City."

Key Stats

61% - the proportion of people surveyed who had replaced at least one mile of car travel per week with walking or cycling

56% - increase in cycling levels reported in travel surveys at Nottingham University Hospitals

570 – tonnes of carbon saved by decrease in regular car journeys among staff at all three sites

/ends

For further information please contact the Press Office

Telephone: 0117 927 7555; Fax: 0117 930 4149; E-mail: press@sustrans.org.uk.

Press Officer – Matthew Hemsley 0117 915 0123

Out of office hours – 07802 986728

Photo Librarians – Jonathan Bewley & Chandra Prasad 0117 915 0120 photos@sustrans.org.uk

ISDN line available for radio interviews

NOTES

Sustrans is calling on UK governments to invest in doubling the number of journeys under five miles made by foot, bike and public transport to four out of five by 2020.

There are around 3,000 volunteers helping with Sustrans' work.

Celebrate Olympic walking and cycling routes with Sustrans

Sustrans — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 10:37:46 +0000

Issued on: Friday 11 November, 2011

Londoners will celebrate the network of Greenways that lead to and around the Olympic Park with walks and bike rides on Saturday 19 November, 2011.

A team of volunteers from charity Sustrans will be leading walkers and cyclists along paths and canals, through parks, and along quiet streets before coming together on the elevated greenway which leads to the ViewTube Café - a prime spot for viewing the Olympic Park.

The Greenways have benefitted from a £10 million improvement package and were officially unveiled last month by Olympic swimming champion Mark Foster, Sustrans, Transport for London, the Olympic Delivery Authority, the London 2012 Organising Committee and others.

Rebecca Davis of Sustrans says: 'These Greenways are part of a scheme conceived by Sustrans and we have been working on their development for several years. Seeing them in use, as people make their regular, daily journeys on foot and bike is tremendous.

'The routes include a mixture of off-road paths and quiet streets, so they are ideal for new or nervous cyclists, young people or those who haven't cycled for some time. They are a great place to build confidence on a bike or enjoy a walk in a more pleasant and safe environment. We want people to come together on Saturday to walk and ride the routes to the Olympic Park and celebrate what a great resource they will be for London 2012.'

There will be a 7-mile walk from Gant's Hill, Ilford or a 5-mile walk from Angel, Islington. Those travelling by bike can join one of two 13-mile cycle rides starting from Roding Valley, Chingford and Cutty Sark, Greenwich, or a 5.5-mile cycle ride from Tottenham Hale.

The Sustrans volunteer s will be leading the walks and rides as part of the Olympic Inspire marked Active Travel Champions volunteering programme. It is just one of the activities that they do to help the people around them - families, friends, colleagues and neighbours - to be more physically active and healthy by travelling on foot or bike for shorter, daily journeys.

Visit http://champions.sustrans.org.uk/ to find out how to join the team of volunteers and to discover start times and locations for the walks and rides. Or contact event organiser Rebecca Davis rebecca.davis@sustrans.org.uk

/ends

For more information on Sustrans or to request interviews, please contact

Wendy Johnson, Sustrans Press Office 0117 915 0128

For pictures, please contact Sustrans Picture Library

Tel: 0117 915 0120 Email photos@sustrans.org.uk

Press Office Out of office hours – 07802 986728

ISDN line available for radio interviews

NOTES

London Greenways has been developed and funded by Transport for London (TfL), Sustrans, the Olympic Delivery Authority, the London Boroughs and others over a number of years and incorporates schemes delivered through the TfL Greenways Programme, the Mayor's Great Outdoors programme, the Olympic Walking and Cycling Route Enhancements Programme (OWCRE) and Sustrans' Connect2, National Cycle Network, and Greenways for the Olympics and London (GOAL) projects.