On your bike!

HMRPCT logo

A new initiative is being launched later this month to encourage the residents of Rochdale Borough to dust off their bikes and start cycling again.

The physical activity team at Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Primary Care Trust (HMRPCT) has teamed up with Rochdale Council’s sustainability team to develop a number of weekly ‘Cycling for Health’ sessions. They have also enlisted the help of Warrington-based charity, Cycling Projects.

The initiative will be launched on Saturday 29 March, 11am until 2pm in Queen’s Park, Heywood.

Cycling based activities will be taking place during this time, including cycling skills for beginners, pedal bike maintenance tips and a short led cycle ride. Other cycling groups and agencies will be on hand to give advice on cycling and physical activity. A limited number of bikes will be available for visitors to use so if you would like to book your place please phone the Cycling Projects team on: 01925 234213.

Mickey Pearson, Walking for Health co-ordinator at HMRPCT, said: “This is another fantastic opportunity for local in-active people to start benefiting from regular exercise. Just like walking, cycling with a group is a great way to socialise along with other like minded people.”

Rebecca Caygill, Physical Activity lead for the PCT, added: “We are constantly looking for new ways we can help people to get active and the Cycling for Health programme is one of many physical activity initiatives we currently have in place. It’s great that we are able to work jointly with the council and Cycling projects and hopefully the public will be encouraged to join in the fun.”

Howard Gott, Principal sustainability officer at Rochdale Council, said: “We know from projects and pilot schemes in Rochdale during the 1990’s, that people are more likely to keep cycling and improve their health if they have continuing support of the right kind. This can be from companions, appropriate routes, training or confidence building. The PCT has funded a proven Cycling Projects scheme to show how this can work in the borough, and we have plans to continue the initiative in some form”.

For more information regarding the Cycling for Health sessions or the launch event contact Mickey Pearson on 01706 517611.