With more and more cities and nations joining the current cycling boom, we turn our attention to Great Britain, which this week is celebrating Bike Week.
6-14 June). Delivered each year by Cycling UK – an independent organisation that champions the cause of cycling -, in partnership in Scotland with Cycling Scotland, Bike Week encourages a quarter of a million people to join in events, rethink their everyday journeys and switch to cycling as the most convenient way to get around.
Great Britain’s National Cycling Federation, British Cycling, has had even more opportunity to celebrate following the UK Department for Transport’s announcement of a £2 billion package of measures to support the ambition of a new golden era for cycling and walking.
As a result, and as part of its relaunched #ChooseCycling campaign, British Cycling is introducing new measures to help people and policymakers make the switch, including: interactive tips and videos for prospective cycle commuters; a live webinar for local and regional authorities led by Policy Adviser Chris Boardman; and activation of its nationwide network of over 10,000 volunteers to provide support for new riders in their communities.
Commute Smart is a series of videos, developed by British Cycling, covering all aspects of commuting by bike on the roads of Britain. The videos are aimed at both experienced commuters and those cycling into work for the first time. They provide viewers with tips and advice to be able to start bike commuting with confidence, that apply to populations not only in Great Britain, but the world over.
British Cycling Chief Executive, Julie Harrington, said: “Many countries now undoubtedly find themselves at a crossroads, and we face a stark choice between the old routine of cars, congestion and pollution or a new future of healthy streets, happy people and cleaner air. All of our research shows that people want to cycle more, and enabling more people to choose cycling is vital if we want to ease pressure on public transport and help those for whom getting around by bike is not an option.
“British Cycling stands ready to support that transformation in any way we can, firstly through sharing resources like our Commute Smart series far and wide, and we’ll be regularly adding to this content over the weeks and months ahead.”
In addition, to help newcomers head out on their first ride, British Cycling has also put together practical guidance to answer several common cycling queries. While predominantly aimed at a British audience, the tips can also apply to would-be cyclists in other countries.
The guide answers questions on issues that can sometimes prevent a newcomer from trying to cycle. It covers topics such as where to ride, what to wear, how to fix a puncture, tools to take, and how to cope with traffic.
Another section helps families with tips for cycling with children.