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This sumer will see a UK-wide cycle tour celebrating the extension of walking and cycling routes – Pedal on UK.
Over three weeks, starting Friday August 16th, the Big Lottery Funded campaign will see a core team of volunteers passing through over 30 communities along many of the newly-opened walking and cycling routes on the National Cycle Network.
‘The Ride’ will conclude on Saturday September 7th by crossing Glasgow’s ‘Bridge to Nowhere’, decades ago by Glasgow City Council in the 1960’s. The bridge will be completed by the Council and Sustrans for July this year. The ride schedule is listed below.
Lorraine Kelly has been enlisted to boost PR for the event. She said: “A year ago the UK was gripped with Olympic fever as the torch relay made its journey through our towns and cities. One year later, I am thrilled to support Sustrans’ Pedal On UK cycling event which aims to keep this spirit thriving in communities across the country.
“I had the pleasure of representing Sustrans in the Big Lottery Fund’s People’s £50 Million contest in a bid for funding to extend the National Cycle Network into the heart of UK communities. I am now delighted to support Pedal On UK which celebrates how far we have come to make walking and cycling a real option for people of all ages and abilities to get around their communities.
“This fantastic event will give everyone the opportunity to explore their local areas, enjoy these cycling and walking routes and have some fun together. So, this summer reclaim your Olympic spirit and join me in supporting Pedal On UK!”
Pedal On UK schedule:
LONDON
Date: Friday 16th August
Route: Olympic Park Greenway – Bethnal Green – South Bermondsey – Westminster – Haringey – Cheshunt
SOUTH EAST
Date: Sunday 18th August – Monday 19th August
Route: Hastings – Shoreham – Southampton
WALES
Date: Wednesday 21st August – Thursday 22nd August
Route: Cardiff – Treforest – Merthyr Tydfil – Argoed – Newport
SOUTH WEST
Date: Saturday 24th August – Monday 26th August
Route: Newton Abbot – Ottery St Mary – Radstock – Bath – Bristol
MIDLANDS
Date: Wednesday 28th August – Friday 30th August
Route: St Neots – Northampton – Rugby – Kenilworth – Birmingham
NORTH WEST AND YORKSHIRE
Date: Saturday 31st August – Monday 2nd September
Route: Sale – Bury – Rochdale – Dewsbury – Bradford – Leeds – Harrogate
NORTHERN IRELAND
Dates: Friday 30th August – Saturday 31st August
Route: Ballymoney – Newtownabbey – Belfast
NORTH EAST AND SCOTLAND
Date: Wednesday 4th September – Saturday 7th September
Route: Newcastle upon Tyne – Bedlington – Blyth – Falkirk – Glasgow
Sustrans’ chief executive Malcolm Shepherd said: “We are proud to be bringing Pedal On UK to over 30 communities across the UK. There are thousands of miles of safe cycling and walking routes on people’s door steps, so we hope this event will raise this awareness. It will also be a great chance to get the whole community together to have some fun.”
