Durham council offering incentives to encourage cycling

Durham council will offer incentives for people to travel around the county via bicycle.

Visitors to customer access points at libraries and leisure centres around Durham can pick up a free seat cover for their bike and a leaflet which provides information on all aspects of cycling and includes route maps for local towns.

The seat covers are all made from 100% recycled plastic and will protect the saddles from the rain when bikes are parked outside.

The #durhamcycling campaign complements the Strategic Cycling and Walking Delivery Plan and also follows the council’s declaration of a climate emergency.

In the plan, the council says: ‘By reducing car traffic, improving air quality, creating more spending power and encouraging healthier lifestyles, cycling and walking can help County Durham become healthier, happier, wealthier, more equitable and vibrant.’

As part of the campaign, the council is also reviewing the cycle parking facilities at their buildings. They will be providing new stands where there currently aren’t any and will be improving stands that do not meet the current standards.

Cllr Peter Brooks said: ‘We’ve extended the campaign because our original trail at selected libraries received such a fantastic response.’

‘I really hope that the free seat covers and maps will encourage people to travel on two wheels; it’s a great way to experience our beautiful country and cycling allows you to be immersed in your surroundings in a way that you couldn’t in a car.’

‘Cycling is a great way to travel, either for fun or as a way of commuting. Not only is it cost-effective, but it also has fantastic health benefits. Even shifting to cycling for a couple of journeys a week has a positive impact on the environment.’

Earlier this summer, a committee of MPs said the government must show more leadership in encouraging people to embrace forms of active travel like walking and cycling.

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