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Cycling is on the Up

According to a recent (8 May) article in The Times, 81% of parents ban their children from cycling independently; the main reason given being concern about road safety.

Jacey Jackson, an independent, qualified, professional cycling instructor who runs her own business - CycleSure - says that the roads are not actually as dangerous as many people perceive them to be.

"It's true, of course, that there is more traffic using our roads than there was when I was growing up, but most vehicles are driven by human beings, many of whom are mums and dads of other children - they are not out to get you!"

"In the Winchester area I find the great majority of drivers are courteous and considerate towards me as a cyclist. It helps if you know how to position yourself on the road and have the confidence to do it. Cycle training is hugely beneficial for that. It gives people of any age (not just children) both the skills and the confidence they need to cycle on the road."

If your child cannot secure a place on the Hampshire County Council scheme through their school, get in touch with one of the independent providers. Cycle training sessions in Winchester for adults and children are being offered during Bike Week from 14 to 22 June.

There are many reasons why cycling is on the up. It offers health and fitness as well as reduced traffic congestion and pollution. And now, with the ever-rising cost of fuel, it's definitely the cheaper option for travel - especially for those shorter local journeys.

If Winchester's hills put you off, consider a bike with electric power boost. Several makes and models are available, and a new type is being developed in Winchester - for information see www.no-hills.com

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. We can provide the full Winchester Bike Week programme in hardcopy or as a .pdf file sent by e-mail.

2. Websites for Bike Week 2008:
- Winchester: www.winchesterbikeweek.org.uk
- national: www.bikeweek.org.uk

3. The people running Bike Week 2008 in Winchester are from:
- the local group of CTC, the UK national cyclists' association
- Velo Club Venta, the local cycle racing group
- CycleSure who provide cycling instruction
- Hampshire Cycle Training
- Winchester Friends of the Earth

4. Winchester Bike Week 2008 events are included in the Cycle Hampshire 08 "Summer of Cycling" programme.

5. Contact for media enquiries for Winchester Bike Week 2008: John Edwards, 01962 867 242, j.d.edwards@virgin.net