Big boost to bike week

Sunny weather has been encouraging people to get back into the saddle.

THE fine weather was a great incentive for new cyclists to try out their journey to work during Bike Week.

And there was an extra incentive with Herts County Council supporting two cyclists’ breakfasts.

In Stevenage, more than 150 cyclists from businesses in the Gunnels Wood business area joined the county council, Stevenage Borough Council, MBDA and Employers for the Environment (E4E) for breakfast in the “pocket park” area on the cycleway.

The bikers were each given a goody bag with information and useful items and the Bike Doctor was in attendance to look over cycles.

Cemex sent a cement mixer and driver to demonstrate the visibility around a large vehicle, and the equipment that can help the lorry driver see cyclists.

And cyclists had the chance to get into the cab and see for themselves where the danger spots are.

A new cycling website for Hertfordshire, Cycleweb, was also launched and attracted many hits in its first week of operation.

The website brings together everything people need to know about cycling in the county, including online cycle maps, events for cyclists and tips for keeping themselves safe on Hertfordshire’s busy roads. The address is www.hertsdirect.org/cycleweb

“The great weather during Bike Week really helped us encourage people to leave their cars behind and try out cycling for a change,” said executive member for highways and transport, Stuart Pile.

“We’ve done a lot of work to make cycling easier and safer in Hertfordshire, with improvements to cycle paths and providing information on cycle routes and safety.”