North Tyneside Council is holding a virtual ‘Summer of Cycling’ campaign following an explosion of cycling in the borough.
The first Summer of Cycling took place last year (2019), aimed at encouraging everyone, no matter their age or ability, to explore the borough by bike.
The project was a massive success with hundreds of people taking part in various events and activities.
This year the plan was to make the campaign bigger with even more going on but this has not been possible due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
Since lockdown though there’s been a huge increase in the number of people out cycling and walking and taking advantage of the fantastic open spaces and the borough’s award-winning coastline.
So it’s been decided to continue to stage a Summer of Cycling this year – with a difference.
Cllr Sarah Day, North Tyneside’s Cycling Champion, explained: “Our first Summer of Cycling was a tremendous success and we were really looking forward to putting on an even bigger and better event this year.
“Sadly though that is no longer possible due to the restrictions around the Coronavirus pandemic.
“But we still wanted to hold a Summer of Cycling in some form to build on the recent surge in popularity of cycling and walking in the borough, which has been fantastic to see.
“So instead we’re holding a virtual campaign this time round rather than physical events, which just aren’t possible at the moment.
“This will involve sharing information online on local cycling and walking routes, advice and tips if you’re new to cycling, stunts and tricks from the Phoenix Detached Youth Project, guides on how to maintain your bike and information on where you can get your bike repaired or buy bicycles on a budget locally. We’re also looking to hold online cycle safety sessions with youngsters and will release more information on that when we can.
“We’d love to hear from you too if you’ve recently taken up cycling or if you’re a bit more experienced and have any hints or tips to share – just post on social media using the hashtag #NTSummerofCycling.
“It might not be the Summer of Cycling we’d originally intended but I’m sure people find the information helpful and hopefully it might inspire even more of us to get out on two wheels.”
It’s a great time to take up cycling in North Tyneside.
The council is continuing to deliver improved infrastructure in the borough following significant investment in recent years and a new, temporary two-way cycling route has been introduced along the coastal strip to give people more space to social distance.
There are further plans to link the coastal strip to destinations such as local centres to encourage people to shop local and support businesses.
It is important people feel safe and confident cycling and walking to their destinations as an alternative to public transport.
Cycling also has a number of benefits for your personal health and wellbeing as well as the environment.
Air quality improved notably with less traffic on the road during lockdown and more people taking to two wheels supports the council’s priority of taking care of the environment.
In addition, physical activity can reduce the risk of major illnesses like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer by up to 50 per cent and lower the risk of early death by up to 30 per cent.
Cllr Day added: “As a council we are committed to supporting the increased demand for cycling and walking, which can not only help boost the local economy but also the health and quality of life of our residents.
“All this helps us continue to make North Tyneside a great place to live, work and visit.”
Jonah Morris, Partnerships Manager at walking and cycling charity Sustrans, said: “It’s been fantastic to see the number of people cycling since lockdown measures were brought in and using the new infrastructure the council has introduced.
“We want to see this growth in cycling continue. The Summer of Cycling campaign is a great way to help introduce yourself to cycling or to dust off the bike in the shed and get involved.”
Summer of Cycling updates will be posted on the council’s and Active North Tyneside social media feeds using #NTSummerofCycling and a dedicated webpage with all the latest information and advice as part of the campaign.
