+++ Watch our video all about our new Cycling and Walking Officer Jayne Rodgers, here: https://bit.ly/2AQT9SX +++
Jayne Rodgers is on a mission…
And that mission is to get more people in Liverpool geared up to the tandem benefits of two-wheeled transport and the city’s great open spaces.
If you’re looking to become more active in 2019 then Jayne, who is Liverpool City Council’s newly appointed Cycling and Walking Officer, has a bespoke solution.
“Cycling and walking for pleasure have so many benefits for your health,” said Jayne. “At this time of year, a lot of people will be trying to get a bit fitter and lose some weight.
“Getting out on your bike or taking a walk in the park can really help with this. And the really great thing is that it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to get started.”
Liverpool has a network of cycle-routes that take in some of the city’s best sites. You could hop on the Trans-Pennine Trail from Speke to Aintree, take in the splendour of Sefton Park as part of the University Route or take in the Majestic views of the Mersey from Everton Brow.
The city boasts ten large parks and more than 90 other parks that are free for everyone to enjoy and the vast majority are bike-friendly.
The city council has a 12-year cycle strategy which runs until 2026. This sets outs Liverpool’s vision to be the fastest growing city for cycling and aims to encourage residents to make cycling part of their daily lives.
Which is where Jayne comes in.
“We are working to provide an attractive cycling environment across the city through the network of routes,” said Jayne. “This is about looking at where we can make improvements to create a more accessible environment for cyclists of all ages. Our parks and green spaces play an important part in this because they are a green network that can really help you to get around the city. And of course, they are great places to be and enjoy in their own right.”
Jayne’s advice is simple: “Get out and give it go!”
“There are lots of ways we can help get lots of projects and charities that can give you access to bikes and there are lots of different rides and opportunities for people to take part. Do a bit of social riding and ride with others.
“You’ll be amazed at how much beauty there is on your doorstep and how many other people you’ll meet doing exactly the same thing.”
Cycling is a key element in the city council’s £500m Better Road programme with a new riverside cycle lane connecting the South of the city through to Southport currently under construction.
Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet member for the Environment, Cllr James Noakes, said: “We want to do as much as we can to encourage more people in our city to use their bike or walk. Not only is it good for your health but it can help to reduce congestion on our roads and cut down on your travel costs. Our citybike scheme is a great example of how we are promoting cycling in Liverpool. There are citybike stations across the city and you can get going for as little as £1. It’s great that we have Jayne on board to promote these sustainable forms of transport and we want everyone in Liverpool to join our walking and cycling revolution.”
- Find out all about cycling in Liverpool from maps and routes to events and citybike hire at liverpool.gov.uk and search for ‘cycling’
Photo: Liverpool City Council’s new Cycling and Walking Officer Jayne Rodger at Princes Park.
