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Sustainability
Last updated: 13/1/2011
Expires: 8/10/2013
Stafford Borough is ideal for cycling with lots of flat roads and some challenging hills too. There is a network of quiet country lanes and the towns and villages are quick to cycle around. There is a network of traffic free trails and cycleways in the Borough too and maps to help you find your way. Stafford Borough Council also organises some cycle rides and other events as well as a host of cycling initiatives.
Only about 2% of people cycle regularly! The Cycling Working Group (CWG) is Stafford Borough Council's means to improve this statistic. The Group acts as a forum for local cyclists and other groups to interact with the Council but also, as part of the Sustainable and Healthy Communities programme, it instigates and organises cycling projects such as Back-2-Bikes, Stafford Cycle Route Volunteers and the Low Carbon Breakfast. It also works with Staffordshire County Council on cycle related highways issues and the development of the local cycle network.
The CWG is becoming increasingly important as we try and combat climate change, road congestion and health issues. The Local Area Agreement has several national indicators directly linked to the work of the CWG including work to reduce CO2 emissions, childhood obesity and adult sport participation. To ensure that these are fully supported the group has refreshed its objectives and set out an action plan.
The Cycling Working Group has recently changed and has been replaced by a community led group. For more information see Cycle Stafford.
The Cycling for Health project is providing cycling refresher courses designed to enable people to access cycling to improve their health. Each 2-session course will help lapsed and hesitant cyclists to ride safely, feel confident cycling alone and with groups and build up to cycling regular led health rides that will be organised by the Cycling for Health project.
The Cycling for Health project will also organise a series of monthly, short led health rides. The pace will be gentle and nobody will be left behind! The routes will be mainly traffic free or on quiet lanes. To book a place on a Cycling for Health course or Led Ride contact the Cycling for Health Co-ordinator.
Stafford has many cycleways and traffic free cycle routes. To help keep them pleasant and safe for cyclists a group of local volunteers regularly hold work parties to cut back vegetation, clear litter and maintain the routes. Stafford Cycle Route Volunteer work parties are held on 3rd Sundays of most months. If you would like to become a part of the team contact Terence Strickland on 01785 248624, or email terences11@yahoo.co.uk.
Stafford Borough Council organises events throughout the year to promote cycling such as the Low Carbon Breakfast and Annual Family Bike Ride. These events are usually open to all and free so please come along and join in. Local cycling clubs also hold regular rides and are keen for new members to join up at all levels.
