Ordnance Survey – Great Britain's national mapping agency

Darlington’s Mayor kick-starts town's cycling commitment

23 July 2008

Darlington's Mayor has helped to kick-start the town's commitment to cycling this week.

The Mayor officially opened a new block of bike sheds at Corporation Road Community School, which sustainable transport charity Sustrans® hopes will help pupils in the area explore the countryside more often on their bicycles.

A total of 12 schools in Darlington are taking part in the charity's Bike It scheme, which promotes cycling to school rather than getting a lift.

Head teacher of Corporation Road Community School Peter King said: ‘Cycling is great fun and an important life skill.

‘I feel that it's important to be able to promote cycling to school as there are many benefits.’

He added that riding a bike is a form of exercise that generates awareness of road safety issues and is also a good way to make friends with fellow riders.

According to Location Motion, 50% of all journeys made in Darlington are less than 2 miles in length and could be cycled rather then driven.

It notes that, because Darlington is generally flat, biking in the area is not too taxing and it asserts that there is a pre-existing network of cycle routes.

Sustrans is a registered trademark of Sustrans Ltd.

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