Bike 'it'

Cycling is a great way to get around. It can be faster than the car for journeys across town, more economical, and good for you. And, once you've purchased your bike, running costs are minimal.

Cycling, like walking can also help you to stay healthy. On average an adult needs to do 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 days per week, and less than 30% of us in the UK achieve this. Cycling to work or the shops is an excellent way to do this, as only a 15-minute journey (approx 3 miles or less) twice a day is enough.

Cycling at about 10mph burns about 400 to 500 calories and will save you money that you would spend in petrol getting about or keeping fit at the gym.

Lancaster makes an ideal base for a day's cycling with the extensive cycle network, and there are many local cycling groups. The Lancaster District Cycling Strategy has also seen many enhancements and improvements to the network. These include:

• The construction and opening of the Millennium bridge in February 2001;

• The upgrading of the Lancaster- Morecambe cycle path including completion of linking sections to the Millennium Bridge, Morecambe Road, and Westgate;

• The upgrading of the Lancaster- Caton cycle path;

• The provision of new cycle lanes and advantage measures for cyclists within Lancaster City Centre;

• The provision of secure cycle parking lockers at bus and rail interchanges;

• Increased provision of cycle racks within Lancaster City centre;

• Provision for cyclists as part of new developments;

• The introduction of incentives for cycle use by Lancaster City Council staff

• Successful cycling promotional events; clear targets and timetables and a framework for monitoring and review.

Get back on your bike

It's quite daunting to get back on your bike if you haven't cycled for years. Before you attempt a commute to work on your bike why not try a fun day out instead and hire a bike. Hiring a bike means you can 'try before you buy'.

Cycle Point based in central Lancaster, is at the heart of a network of off-road and on-road cycling routes, and offers bike hire and sales. Cycle Point can provide the ideal introduction to the novice, or provide support for the more experienced enthusiast. There are some great cycle ways from Lancaster to Morecambe, to the university and alongside the River Lune.

Also look out for Cycle Point's Budgie Bikes scheme offering low cost cycle hire from selected outlets across the area. You can pick up a bike at one outlet and leave it at another.

Start cycling with someone who is experienced on the roads. Find out at work who cycles, or join a local club and cycle with others.

Cycling to work

If you are going to take the plunge and cycle to work, take time to plan your route. The extensive cycle network will mean that the route you take will not necessarily be the most direct route. Avoid large roundabouts where possible, and look for areas where you can cross safely. For a leaflet about cycle routes in the area contact Tourist Information, Castle Hill, Lancaster 01524 32878, or Marine Road Morecambe 01524 582808.

Tips

The Highway code provides clear advice for cyclists. Full details can be found at http://www.highwaycode.gov.uk and clicking on the link for cyclists. The main points to consider are:

• Wear the appropiate clothing. Light coloured or fluorescent clothes helps others to see you.

• Wear a Cycle helmet

• At night your cycle MUST have front and rear lights lit. Your bike MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85). White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen.

• Use cycle routes when practicable. They can make your journey safer.

• Do not carry anything which will affect your balance or may get tangled up with your wheels or chain

• Know your arm signals for turning manoeuvres

• Be observant: obstructions in the road, such as drains and pot-holes may cause you to swerve suddenly to avoid them.

• take extra care near road humps, narrowings and other traffic calming features.

You MUST NOT

• Carry a passenger unless your cycle has been built or adapted to carry one

• Ride when under the influence of drink or drugs.

• Cycle on a pavement. Do not leave your cycle where it would endanger or obstruct road users or pedestrians, for example, lying on the pavement. Use cycle parking facilities where provided.

• Cross the stop line when the traffic lights are red

For bike hire, contact Cycle Point, Lancaster Station, Meeting House Lane, Lancaster. www.cyclepoint.co.uk, or ring 01524 389410

Further Information

For further information about cycling contact one of Lancashire County Council's cycling officers on 01772 534609.