A GRUELLING 90-mile round trip cycle commute was completed by a dedicated Warwickshire County Council (WCC) officer on National Cycle to Work Day.
A number of WCC staff ditched their cars for bikes for the UK’s biggest cycling commuting event – clocking up a collective total of around 350 miles.
They included Chief Executive Monica Fogarty and Strategic Director Mark Ryder – as well as Programme Manager for Climate Change Matt Whitehead, who cycled from Gloucestershire for his epic commute.
Matt said: “I was delighted to join colleagues in cycling to work today. I’m a regular cyclist but even so, taking on 45 miles before a day’s work is not something I’d do every day!
“But it’s a great opportunity to show our support for more people in Warwickshire to take up either cycling or walking as an alternative to car journeys. It’s better for our health and it’s better for the planet.”
Coun Heather Timms, WCC’s spokeswoman for Environment, Climate and Culture, said: “During lockdown, we know that travel habits changed dramatically, with more people than ever before choosing active travel. Since formal restrictions were lifted and more people have been returning to offices and other workplaces, we know that many of these positive travel trends have been reversed.
“At Warwickshire County Council, we recently launched the #JustOneJourney campaign, which encourages residents to ditch the car for one journey and pursue an active travel alternative – and this fits in perfectly with National Cycle to Work Day.
“With the Commonwealth Games Road Races in Warwick taking place on Sunday (August 7), there has never been a better time to start getting into cycling.
“It has been fantastic to see so many of our staff supporting this event as we strive together for a Warwickshire that is sustainable now and for future generations.”
Warwickshire County Council is currently consulting on its plans for walking and cycling infrastructure across the county. Visit https://ask.warwickshire.gov.uk/insights-service/lcwip to complete the survey before the closing date of Sunday August 14.
Visit http://safeactivetravelwcc.co.uk to find out more about Active Travel in Warwickshire.
