Cycling initiative

Paralympic cyclist, Dame Sarah Storey

Commuters are being urged to ditch four wheels in favour of two this Thursday as part of a nationwide initiative.

Cycle to Work Day is a national event, championed by multi gold medal winning Paralympic cyclist, Dame Sarah Storey, which aims to encourage everyone to cycle to work for just one day on 12 September 2013.

Launched by Cyclescheme and supported by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), British Cycling, Sustrans, Bicycle Association and Business in the Community, Cycle to Work Day aims to highlight the benefits of cycling as a means of transport and encourage more people to cycle, more often.

The date supports work already in place to make cycling safer and easier in Greater Manchester. In August this year, TfGM was awarded £20 million national funding from the Cycle City Ambition Grant to support the 12-year cycling strategy Vélocity 2025.

As part of this strategy TfGM, along with key cycling organisations, such as Manchester-based British Cycling, Sustrans and the CTC, have set out a 12-year vision for transforming levels of cycling.

Over the next two years through to 2015, the funding will be used to:

• Deliver a major new network of strategic, integrated and – where possible – segregated cycle routes to employment centres, schools and leisure facilities. 
• Develop ‘Cycle and Ride’ stations for Gatley, Irlam, Flixton and Guide Bridge railway stations and at Prestwich, Hollinwood and East Didsbury Metrolink stops. 
• Work with a number of partner schools and colleges to improve cycle facilities to help encourage cycling as a travel choice for younger people. 
• Roll out an ambitious programme of cycling promotion and education inspired by other European cities.

For more information on how to get involved visit www.cycletoworkday.org