Brighton and Hove CTC launch 'Shed Rides' to encourage new members

By Cycling UK
Monday, 30 December 2013
With over two thirds of bicycles stuck in a garden shed and hardly ever seeing the light of day, the Brighton and Hove CTC Member Group has come up with an ingenious plan to encourage more people to cycle in the New Year.

Members of the Brighton and Hove CTC are introducing the ‘Shed Rides’ aimed at those slightly reluctant cyclists who  have a bike buried under plant pots and half empty tins of paint somewhere in the garden shed.

According to national statistics, 43% of the population have access to a bicycle, but less than 10% use them frequently. Cycling regularly will help you meet recommended physical activity guidelines, improve your sense of wellbeing and offer you a cheaper source of exercise than paying to go to the gym. 

The first ‘Shed Ride’ takes place on Sunday 5 January and will be a gentle flat ride from  Hove Lawns to Worthing and back mostly on cycle paths.

Organiser Howard  Blanks from  Brighton and  Hove CTC said: “We recognise that many people are put off cycling because of lack of confidence, the amount of traffic or perhaps being worried about having to cycle too far out of their comfort zone. If you join one of our rides, you do so safe in the knowledge that a Shed Bike Ride is over a shorter distance, generally on cycle paths and at a very comfortable pace led by experienced cyclists.”

Brighton & Hove has been in the news for some of the excellent cycle initiatives that have taken place recently with new cycle paths and 20mph speed limits; as a cyclist it has never been so good to live in the city." Howie Blanks, Brighton and Hove CTC

The group is also introducing free bicycle maintenance courses to get you through the basics. The first is on Sunday 26 January at The Giant Store in Shoreham 10am – 12 noon. To take part, please email: [email protected].

The Shed Bike Ride is free and if you find cycling is for you, there is the opportunity to join the Brighton and Hove CTC for more regular rides. It takes place on Sunday 5 January 2014. Please meet at the Hove Peace Statue at 11am  or join them  at 11.30 am at The Giant Store, Ropetackle to cycle to Worthing.

If you would like to organise a similar event with your group please contact Membership Manager Matt Mallinder.
 

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