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National Bike Week 2012
The 16 – 24 June marks National Bike Week, the UK’s biggest mass participation cycling event with almost half a million people participating at events across the country.
The aim is to promote everyday cycling for everyone and to get more people cycling. Bike Week events offer something for everyone, from families, schools and companies to seasoned cyclists and those who have never cycled before.
Teesside University recognises the importance of cycling for our staff and students. Cycling has a positive impact on health and wellbeing and also helps to reduce the carbon footprint of individuals and the University.
A number of free special events open to staff and students have been arranged by the University to celebrate National Bike Week:
Cycle to Work
The University provides a range of excellent facilities for cyclists across on the main and Darlington campus; these include secure cycle parking facilities with CCTV, lockers, shower and changing facilities. All these facilities can be accessed by staff and students for a small annual registration fee (£5 payable every October).
During the period 18th – 22nd June these facilities (which can be accessed securely via ID cards) will be made available to all staff and students free of charge.
Full details of facilities available on campus for cyclists can be found on the environmental pages of Unity.
Social Bike Ride (Breeze and Skyride)
Many of you may have heard of the Skyride and Breeze bike rides, both of which are projects run by British Cycling to encourage more people to get out cycling.
On Thursday 21st June 2012, a guided social ride will be held from the University campus to the new cycle track at Prissick base on Marton Road at 12pm. This will be mostly on cycle paths.
Cyclists will then have use of the cycle track between 12pm and 2pm, before cycling back to the campus for about 2pm.
If you would like to come to the cycle circuit but cannot make the led ride, please feel free to come up for as long as you can between 12pm and 2pm.
If you do intend to come on the guided ride please email Hazel Wright as we need to know approximate numbers.
Bike-Ability Sessions
If you feel you need to improve your confidence when riding your bike on the roads then a Bike-Ability session is ideal for you. Each session is twi hours long and will include training on the correct positioning on the road, how to tackle junctions/roundabouts and help to improve confidence when cycling in traffic.
Session times are as follows:
- Thursday 21 June 12-2pm – 2 sessions (maximum 6 people per session)
- Thursday 21 June 4-6pm - 2 sessions (maximum 6 people per session)
- Friday 22 June 12-2pm - 1 session (maximum 6 people per session)
- Friday 22 June 4-6pm - 2 sessions (maximum 6 people per session)
Booking is essential for these sessions.
Please email Hazel Wright to book a place.
Please note: For the led ride, event at the cycle circuit and bike ability sessions you must have your own bike. Don’t forget that the use of the cycle storage is available all week so you can store your bike securely if you are coming to any of these sessions.
Bike Dr Visit
To help cyclists keep their bikes in safe and good working order the University has arranged for a cycle mechanic to visit the University.
The mechanic will be available to make any minor adjustments and repairs, and provide advice on setting up cycles to improve efficiency and posture.
The mechanic will be available on Friday 22nd June 2012, from noon until 3.00pm at the Clarendon cycle store, below the Clarendon Building. This is a free service for staff and students. There’s no need to book an appointment, just turn up on the day with your bike.
This service is being offered in partnership with Middlesbrough Council. For more information contact Richard Cuthbert, Environmental & Travel Policy Facilitator, at richard.cuthbert@tees.ac.uk or on 01642 738192.
Cyclist’s Breakfast
If during Bike Week you’ve cycled into the University, or taken part in the Bike-Ability or bike ride events why not reward your efforts by enjoying a free healthy breakfast.
This will be served in the Refectory (2nd floor of the Students Union building) on Friday 22nd June 2012 from 8.30 am until 10.30 am, (limited availability, served on a first come first served basis). Here you will also be able to find out more information about other cycling initiatives.
Why not see how much carbon you’ve saved by using your cycle by using this carbon footprint calculator. You can find out more about Bike Week, and search for local and national events by visiting the Bike Week website.
19 June 2012 | Grapevine 123
