Lancaster
Lancaster and Morecambe have used their Cycling Town status to help extend the local cycle network as well as offering a wide range of training options to young and old alike and running a range of awareness raising events.
A landmark achievement was the opening of the Morecambe Promenade to cyclists in April 2007, but many short connections between existing off-road cycle paths and residential areas, schools and workplaces have also been created. Work is now complete on a link between the Promenade and the Lancaster-Morecambe Greenway (the busiest off road route cycle route in Lancashire), a key route across the River Lune right into Lancaster. In Autumn/Winter 2008 further work will take place to connect the Promenade to the Lancaster Canal (at Hest Bank) providing an almost fully off road circular route between Lancaster and Morecambe.
Additional network priorities include improved cycling through the city centre as well as links to the university and the Royal Lancaster Infirmary. These destinations are being further prioritised through a Cycling to Work project, which currently engages four large employers of the region - both the hospital and university as well as the City Council and Lancaster & Morecambe College.
Projects also target young people and their families through initiatives such as Bike it and Go Ride. The team are currently in the middle of an exciting Bike Loan project at a local high school thanks to funding from the Lancs Drug & Alcohol Action Team. Plans to get more women on bikes by running a range of initiatives under the Women on Wheels banner include rides, maintenance training and open evenings at local bike shops.
For further details on everything taking place please visit www.celebratingcycling.org
Rachel Scott
Palatine Hall, Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PW
01524 582392
