A Lancaster councillor has got back on her bike thanks to Lancaster City Council’s ‘Bike Buddy’ scheme.
Councillor Eileen Blamire stopped cycling three years ago due to a lack of time and the ever increasing traffic on the district’s roads. Keen to start cycling again, Eileen turned to the Bike Buddy scheme for help.
The scheme is a free service for local residents to help new and returning cyclists find a safe and suitable route from their home to their chosen destination.
Eileen cycled from the Millennium Bridge to Morecambe with the help of her bike buddy Neil Emery. Neil was able to show her the best way to get there and passed on lots of handy tips for riding safely in traffic and varying weather conditions. He gave her advice on equipment and bike maintenance.
Coun Blamire, cabinet member with responsibility for cycling, said: “I really enjoyed the ride. It was very exhilarating after a nervous start. My bike buddy Neil was really encouraging and friendly.
“I first started cycling when I was 10. After cycling through my teenage years I stopped when I started work and had a family. I got back in the saddle eight years ago to help me keep fit. However in recent years, I haven’t had the time and some road users have made it difficult to cycle.
“I’d forgotten how enjoyable cycling can be. Thanks to the bike buddy scheme and with a bit more practice I’m going to start cycling again.”
If you are interested in making use of the scheme, simply contact the Cycling Demonstration Town Team on 01524 582086, by email: celebratingcycling@lancaster.gov.uk or in writing to: Bike Buddy, Lancaster City Council, Palatine Hall, Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PW. The application form and questionnaire is also available on the council’s cycling website: www.celebratingcycling.org.
By completing a simple questionnaire asking a few basic questions about your cycling abilities, you will be matched with a buddy. Your buddy will contact you by phone or email to discuss your requirements and arrange a convenient time and date to meet up for the ride.