MP and Mayor cycle too!

Cycle Colchester persuaded new MP Will Quince to try out their pedal powered smoothie maker at the Street Wise festival on the 13 June.

They took the opportunity to talk to him about local cycling and he confirmed his wish to sort out Colchester’s infrastructure to help cyclists as well as bus users.

New Mayor Cllr Theresa Higgins has been seen out and about on her bike. Cycle Colchester interviewed her this month and she said, cycling is her preferred mode of transport for travelling to civic occasions, it’s often quicker, and cheaper than using the official car, so makes savings for the mayoral budget.

You can read more at www.cyclecolchester.org.uk

Bike Week at Babcock Colchester

Neil Allen Babcock’s Travel Plan rep took his colleagues out on a lunchtime ride he said,

‘Once again Babcock Colchester celebrated Bike Week with their annual ice cream ride. A brisk ride to the Zoo via Oliver’s Lane was followed by a gentler amble to Stanway Green where they stopped for ice creams and a well-earned rest. Pleasantly refreshed a competitive sprint sent half off in the wrong direction, suitably chastened they re-joined the group for last leg back to work via Route 1!’

What’s been happening for Bike Week?

Congratulations to Colchester Borough Council who took part in the National ‘Love to Ride’ Bike challenge and came 7th place out of 502 companies Nationwide!

120 people (13%) of staff took part in the three week challenge cycling a total of 5,737 miles. With free Dr Bike on site, free Bike breakfasts and gentle short rides for new and returning cyclists using CBC’s pool bikes, 53 people who had not ridden a bike for over 12 months were inspired to join in.

The challenge now is to keep those 53 returning cyclists motivated to carry on!

Michelle Lay-Flurrie, CBC’s Travel Plan rep said ‘coming 7th out of 502 companies nationwide is a huge accomplishment so a massive thank you to everyone who took part and particularly the 53 people who rose to the challenge of getting back on a bike. The feedback has been great and we really want to keep up the momentum we have created through the challenge.’