BE inspired by Bradley Wiggins and get on your bike.
That’s the message from council chiefs as they gear up for a community cycle ride in Winchester on Sunday, September 9.
Called My Journey, the event is aimed at encouraging people to leave their cars at home and take the bus, train, cycle or walk instead.
And it comes as the Daily Echo ’s Spirit of 2012 campaign gets under way, encouraging people to be inspired by the success of the Olympic Games and the can-do attitude of the athletes.
Cyclists will also help raise money for two charities – Help for Heroes, supporting injured servicemen and women, and the Magic Wand Appeal, to transform the children’s ward at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital.
Organisers say the cycle ride will cater for all ages and abilities with three different routes on the day.
They all start and finish at the River Park Leisure Centre.
Other activities will include “try a bike” taster sessions, free bike tune-ups and stunt bike demonstrations.
The event is jointly organised by Hampshire County Council and Winchester City Council with a £4.1m Government grant for local sustainable transport aimed at cutting congestion and carbon emissions.
Councillor Mel Kendal, transport chief for the county council, said research showed people in Hampshire were “keen car users”, above the national average.
Cllr Kendal said: “With the high price of fuel and increasing volumes of traffic on our roads, however, many people are beginning to consider the financial benefits of cycling as well as walking, using the bus or train and how this can also help them lead a more active lifestyle.”
Dominic Irvine, an endurance cyclist and representing the Magic Wand Appeal, said it was an exciting time to get involved in cycling with Bradley Wiggins winning the Tour de France and medal wins at the Olympics .
Taking part in the community cycle ride costs £7 for adults, £3 for children and £15 for a family of four.
To register online visit myjourney.drupalgardens.com and follow the links.
