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Cycling success
for City
LIVERPOOL is on the road to
a healthier future, as more and more local people hop on their
bikes. New figures show that there has been a 20% increase in
the number of journeys made by bicycle in Liverpool over the past
year. It means the City is already exceeding the target of 12% set
for 2011-15 in the Third Local Transport Plan for Merseyside (LTP3).
The figures - which reflect the City's on-going efforts to increase
cycling rates; come from the 2011-12 LTP3 Merseyside cycle
monitoring report. The average daily flow of cyclists; measured at
65 sites, using automatic cycle counters; recorded a 16.9%
increase in cycling for the whole of Merseyside. Liverpool's
increase of 20% is the highest in the region.
Cycling in the City is being boosted by a comprehensive cycling
programme, which includes the free, family-friendly Cycle Liverpool
South rides, co-ordinated by sustainable transport organisation Sustrans.
Led by trained volunteer cycle leaders, the rides help improve
people's confidence on a bike, using local cycle routes to visit
places like the Mersey Promenade, Calderstones Park, Speke Hall and
Speke Garston Coastal Reserve.
Cycle Liverpool South is backed up by a range of other free cycling
initiatives, including Choose Freedom North Liverpool - regular
rides for adults in and around the north of the City; Liverpool
Wheels for All, which uses adapted bikes to make cycling accessible
for people with disabilities; and Liverpool Community Health's Cycle
for Health rides, which help people who haven't cycled for a while
to get back on their bikes.
2 people who have benefited from the City's cycling programme are
35-year Melanie Connell from Aigburth and her 9-year-old son Nat.
Melanie had given up cycling at 12, but got back into it during Bike
Week 2011, when she took part in a guided ride from the Pier Head to
the Gormley statues on Crosby beach.
She hasn't looked back, and now rides her bike daily, as well as
attending at least one Cycle Liverpool South ride a fortnight. She
is sharing her rediscovered passion for biking with Nat, and this
year they have taken part in the Great Manchester Cycle, Wirral Bikathon, and the Manchester to Liverpool Bike Ride, to raise money
for charity.
Melanie said:- "I was delighted to find out about the free
bike rides in south Liverpool. Cycling with a group has given me
confidence about both myself and my son riding on roads. It has
helped me discover new local routes as well as being a fantastic
social outlet."
Melanie, who now rarely uses her car anymore, said:- "The main
advantages of cycling, as opposed to driving, are that it is good
for my health and keeps costs down, with no petrol or parking costs.
There is also the feel- good factor, knowing that you are helping
the environment. And cycling with my son, instead of sticking
him in the car, keeps him engaged in journeys - for instance the
trip of a few miles to visit family members - and helps keep him
fit."
Melanie has also taken advantage of the free Bikeability training
offered in the City, through the TravelWise programme, funded by
Liverpool Primary Care Trust. She can now fix punctures, replace
gear and brake cables, and replace the drive chain, derailleur and
freewheel. Not to be outdone, Nat has reached Bikeability Level 2,
and can fix a puncture, adjust his brakes and carry out a safety
check.
Melanie said:- "I try to encourage all my family and friends
to get out on their bikes - with varying success! am trying to teach
my mum to ride. She is 66 but she will get there, and it should
really help her diabetes. I would encourage anyone who is thinking
about taking up cycling to go to one of the Cycle Liverpool South
rides and use one of the free pool bikes, first of all. If they
enjoy it, they can get more training from Bikeright."
Liverpool City Council's Cabinet Member for Transport, Councillor
Tim Moore, said:- "These are really encouraging figures, which
show that our investment in sustainable transport is having a real
impact on local people. Cycling is a fantastic form of
exercise and environmentally friendly. It's also a great way of
getting around, both for commuters and for recreational purposes. We
are working really hard to break down barriers to cycling, because
we understand the huge benefits it can bring – so it's great to see
that this work is paying dividends."
The Local Transport Plan for Merseyside aims to lay out the best
possible strategy for improving travel throughout the region,
including rail and bus networks and sustainable transport.
For more information about all the free cycling programmes,
including bike rides and training, on offer in Liverpool, visit:-
liverpool.gov.uk/cycling. |
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NEW SEASON
STARTING IN SOUTHPORT 6-A-SIDE FOOTBALL LEAGUE
A new season is starting in
the Southport 6 a side league later this month and teams are urged
to join now.
The long running and award winning league, which takes place at
Greenbank High School on Wednesday is looking to expand in time for
the big kick off.
The winners and runners-up in each division will be invited to the
UK 6 a side football championships which Leisure Leagues is proud to
be a partner of.
There are trophies for the top two and a stylish wooden spoon for
the losers as all standards are catered for.
All matches are refereed by qualified officials and all equipment is
provided and all profits are donated to Cancer Research, Dogs Trust
and the National Blind Children's Society.
Anyone who wants to join the 6-a-side league in Southport can do so
by ringing:- 0845 230 2340 or logging on to:-
leisureleagues.net or
emailing:-
info@leisureleagues.net.
THE BIG ISSUE IN THE NORTH GOES
DIGITAL IN LIVERPOOL
THE Big Issue in the North
has launched its first digital magazine, and Liverpool vendors are
amongst the first to pilot the online issue to the City's public.
Out now, The Big Issue in the North will be available from street
vendors in Liverpool both in its traditional print format and as a
printed card featuring a unique redemption code which, when typed
into a web browser or scanned with a mobile phone, will enable
people to view the magazine online.
The digital edition - which is backed by the International Network
of Street Papers (INSP), a charity which supports street papers
throughout the world - is designed to give people a choice in the
way that they read the magazine. The Big Issue in the North hopes
that it will help them to engage with a new audience, many of who
prefer to read content on mobile phones and tablets. And, crucially,
the card allows The Big Issue in the North to join the digital
publishing revolution while ensuring that the all-important link
between vendors and their customers is maintained.
Caroline Price, Director, at The Big Issue in the North said:-
"It is hoped that the digital edition will help the magazine,
which has been in circulation in the North since 1992, continue to
be a success.
This is not about replacing our traditional print magazine; it is
about moving with the times and giving people a choice in how they
read the magazine. The Big Issue in the North's primary aim is to
provide homeless people with the opportunity to earn an income. In
order to continue to do this, we need to ensure we appeal to a broad
range of readers, including people who choose to read newspapers and
magazines online."
In a recent survey, over 70% of vendors indicated they would like
something new to sell and discuss with their customers. Initial
feedback from vendors has been widely positive across all regions.
There are approximately 250 vendors in the North, many of who are
reliant on the income that it generates but also on the opportunity
to interact with the public which helps to build self-esteem and
confidence.
Development of the pilot has been supported by funding from by Esmee
Fairbairn Foundation and through pro bono support from Grant Gibson
of Herald & Times Group, David Craik of Bright Signals and 999
Design.
CCTV APPEAL - ROBBERY, WEST DERBY
MERSEYSIDE Detectives have
released CCTV of 2 men who may be able to assist officers, following
a cash-in-transit robbery on Thursday, 7 June 2012 to Friday, 8 June
2012, in West Derby.At around 10am, a Royal Mail security guard
delivering cash on Baycliffe Road was approached by a man. The guard
was told to drop the box and the offender made off with a
significant amount of cash. It is thought that the offender got out
of a silver van that was parked in a lay-by, which then drove off
down Baycliffe road, toward Deyesbrook Lane. The security
guard was uninured but left shaken by the incident. Officers
are keen to trace the 2 men pictured, as they may have vital
information which could assist them with their enquiries in this
case. Anyone with any information is asked to call Matrix on:-
0151 777 5671, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on:- 0800 555 111. |
