Suffolk’s Year of Cycling 2015/2016
Suffolk’s Year of Cycling was officially launched on 4 March and kicks off a year of focused activity and celebrate all that is cycling across Suffolk.
The campaign is the county’s bid to promote the many cycling activities taking place between March 2015 and February 2016.
Bringing together organisations from across the county and the launch of Suffolk’s first cycling strategy in June 2014, the initiative aims to encourage more people in Suffolk to get on their bikes.
The launch also saw the premier of a brand new promotional video, as well as the announcement of a twelve-month cycle safety programme aiming to get more parents and children cycling to school.
Suffolk’s Year of Cycling will support a variety of aims, including:
- Encouraging cycling across all sectors of the community, supporting Suffolk’s ‘Most Active County’ ambitions.
- Promoting a transfer to cycling for short distance trips, supporting Suffolk’s ‘Creating the Greenest County’ ambitions.
- Promoting the benefits of cycling for health and for the subsequent savings in the health budget.
- Fostering enthusiasm for cycling in young people.
- Planning and designing for the future with cycling in mind.
- Creating a safe and cycle friendly environment.
Councillor Graham Newman, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for roads, transport and planning, said: “It is extremely exciting to have launched such an inclusive and cross-cutting initiative which looks set to bring a wealth of benefit to residents across Suffolk; whatever their age or background.”
“Through our close working with partners from all sectors we have designed a way in which we can highlight the major national cycling events that Suffolk has been chosen to host, whilst celebrating and promoting some of the smaller, more community based activities.”
“As a keen cyclist myself I have experienced first-hand the benefits that can come from travelling on two wheels; especially keeping fit and saving the pennies. I strongly encourage those that are able to give it a go and enjoy cycling as part of everyday activity; whether that’s commuting to work or school or simply getting out and about and seeing the county.”
Suffolk is no stranger to hosting some of the country’s biggest cycling events such as the Women’s Tour and the Tour of Britain. Tens of thousands of people have taken to the county’s streets to support these events and boost the local economy.
Through Suffolk’s Year of Cycling, these events will be built on and inspire more people to get on their bikes. As well as promoting the major national cycling events that are once again being hosted in Suffolk, much work is also being done with local cycle groups and media partners to promote sportives, routes, rides and club activities to encourage people to cycle more.
For more information on upcoming events and current activity, please visit www.suffolkyearofcycling.co.uk