Hampshire Now - your County Council magazine

Winchester community cycle ride event

Monday, 06 August 2012

Hampshire County Council, in partnership with Winchester City Council and Cycle Experience are holding a community cycle ride in Winchester on Sunday, 9 September, as part of the 'My Journey' campaign,.which will raise money for two charities - Help for Heroes and the Magic Wand Appeal.

Leaving the car at home can save people money and increase their level of activity and the community cycle ride aims to get people on their bikes again and show them some of the many cycle routes available both in and around the city.

'My Journey' is a travel awareness campaign to encourage people to use the bus, train, walk, cycle, or car share in place of driving alone by car. To this end, Hampshire residents are being asked to consider their travel options for everyday journeys, and how they might do these differently. At the heart of the campaign is the 'My Journey' website, which makes it easy to plan journeys using public transport, walking, cycling and car-share.

The community cycle ride will cater for all ages and levels of ability and experience with three different routes marked out on the day, catering for everyone from the serious rider to younger family members. There is a family friendly two mile route, and a 10 mile and 30 mile route for those looking for more of a challenge. All the routes take in the sights around Winchester, starting and finishing at North Walls Recreational Ground by River Park Leisure Centre. Activities will also be taking place at the starting point which will include 'try a bike' taster sessions, free bike tune ups, free bike try-outs, a pump track and stunt bike demonstrations

Hampshire County Council's Executive Member for Environment and Transport, Councillor Mel Kendal, said:

"In partnership with Winchester City Council and Cycle Experience, we have organised a wonderful family cycle event that help raise awareness of cycling around the city as an alternative to using the car and benefit two worthwhile causes in the process.

"As part of the 'My Journey' campaign we aim to encourage people to realise the benefits of travelling by other means instead of the private car. Research has indicated that Hampshire residents are keen car users, above the national average. 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 to have a more active lifestyle."

Dominic Irvine, motivational speaker, endurance cyclist and representing The Magic Wand Appeal, said:

"It's very encouraging that so many people will be taking part in this cycle ride. With Bradley Wiggins' Tour de France win and gaining a silver medal during the first weekend of the London 2012 Olympics, it really is an exciting time to get involved in cycling. We are also thrilled that The Magic Wand Appeal has been selected as one of the Mayor's nominated charities to benefit from this event. The donations will make a big difference to help the Royal Hampshire County Hospital refurbish the children's unit."

Taking part in the community cycle ride costs £7 for an adult, £3 for a child or £15 for a family of four. All proceeds are being donated to the Mayor of Winchester's chosen charities: Magic Wand and Help for Heroes. Everyone who registers before the day will receive a goody bag. To register, visit 'My Journey' and follow the links.

'My Journey' is funded from a £4.1m grant received from the Department for Transport Local Sustainable Transport Fund. The objectives of the Government's fund are to reduce congestion at peak times, and to reduce carbon and greenhouse gas emissions.

'My Journey' activities will also be carried out in Aldershot, Andover, Basingstoke, Farnborough, Fleet and Winchester over the next three years.

About The Magic Wand Appeal

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's 'The Magic Wand Appeal' is a charitable appeal to raise funds to redesign and refurbish the children's unit in The Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Winchester, which aims, where possible, to minimise the trauma to a family with a child in hospital.

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