Kirkdale based cycle training organisation BikeRight! has unveiled a number of new cycle storage facilities across Everton and Kirkdale – funded as part of an ongoing drive to change the way in which local employees travel to and from work.
BikeRight! has been working with local employers and institutions to offer staff a viable alternative to commuting by car – encouraging cycling or indeed walking.
Cycle stands are being installed at Benson Signs, DBH Business Centre, Everton Sports Centre, The Rotunda College and Liverpool Community College as well as Everton’s WECC, Shrewsbury House and Eldonian Village Hall.
Launch events at Benson Signs, DBH Business Centre and Eldonian Village Hall were attended by Louise Ellman MP for Liverpool Riverside (Chair of the Commons Transport Select Committee) and Malcolm Kennedy (Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for regeneration).
The cycle stands have been installed as part of the successful Choose Freedom project, a Liverpool City Council project funded by the Department for Transport through the Local Sustainable Transport Fund. The project is being delivered by BikeRight!
Jo Somerset, Director of BikeRight! said: “We feel that we are making really good progress with the Choose Freedom project in installing the first eight stands across Everton and Kirkdale.
“The aim of the project is to open up employment opportunities for local people, save them money on their commute and of course offer greener and healthier modes of transport.
“In addition to these cycle stands we are setting up Choose Freedom bike maintenance training sessions, community events and travel surgeries at Everton Job Centre and local Job Clubs.”
Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Councillor Tim Moore, said: “This is a fantastic initiative which hopefully encourage hundreds more people to get on their bikes for their journey to work.
“Recent figures from our Local Transport Plan show that cycling is on the up in this city – so we know there’s an appetite for it. The new cycle stands will help further widen the appeal and accessibility of cycling in north Liverpool.
“I’m delighted Bikeright! Is launching this new scheme. It will give employees an alternative to commuting by car, and it will support our aims to reduce congestion, cut down on carbon emissions and drive up the health and fitness of local people.”
Chris Benson, Managing Director of Benson Signs said: “At Benson Signs we are keen to be part of any initiative that is of benefit to our staff and the environment. BikeRight! approached us as a key local employer with strong interest in environmental issues with a view to helping us encourage more of our employees to cycle or walk to work.
“It’s early days for the programme but it dovetails nicely with our existing ‘tax free cycle to work scheme’ where staff can buy tax free bicycles to commute. It’s just one of number of initiatives we have undertaken to improve the health and wellbeing of staff and the environmental credentials of the business.”
BikeRight! is responsible for many innovative projects in Liverpool working with businesses and residents to encourage safe cycling to promote wellbeing and improved employment opportunities in Liverpool. Their Choose Freedom project in North Liverpool encourages residents of Everton and Kirkdale to get on their bikes and enjoy the freedom, savings, health benefits and increased job opportunities afforded by cycling and walking.
http://www.bikeright.co.uk/freedom
Image – Left to Right – Jo Somerset, Director of BikeRight!, Cllr Malcolm Kennedy and Chris Benson, Managing Director of Benson Signs