Scores of people of all ages and fitness levels are boosting their health with weekly walks or rides as part of the Bike It, Walk It project set up by sustainable transport charity Sustrans.
They include Michelle Spencer who had not ridden a bike since she fell off one 38 years ago. She finally decided to try cycling last month to ease arthritis in her knee, and has now completed three sessions in New Tredegar.
Michelle, aged 41, said: “I’d never learned to ride a bike before and it was very strange to get on one. To start with I just walked up and down holding onto the bicycle but hopefully before long I’ll be good enough to enjoy rides around local parks, Bryn Bach and other parts of the Valley.
“I felt a bit tired after the first few sessions but it’s been brilliant to start achieving what I’ve set out to do. I’ve never enjoyed sports or keep fit classes but this is much more enjoyable because I can go at my own pace. If I can do it, anyone can.”
Michelle was joined by friend and fellow novice cyclist Maura Matthews, who wanted to ride safely so she can enjoy family bike rides with husband Hywel and son Ieuan, aged 20 months.
Maura said: “I’m a bit wobbly on a bike because I’ve never ridden properly and was just as likely to end up in a bush. These sessions have been great because they’ve put me at ease and helped me feel confident riding around, and I’m really looking forward to getting out on routes like the Taff Trail.”
Sustrans Active Travel Co-ordinator Robyn Hughes, who leads the sessions, said: “Even if you haven’t been on a bike for 40 years it’s no problem. We provide all the gear from the bikes to the rain jackets so anyone can come along to a session, get some fresh air and hopefully have a bit of fun.”
A new weekly beginners cycling class starts this month at the White Rose Centre car park in New Tredegar every Friday from 10.15am to 11.15am. There are also walking and cycling sessions in Bryn Bach Park on Wednesdays and Fridays from 12pm to 2.30pm – including two wheelers, trikes and a tandem; a weekly walk that starts from Pontlottyn Community Centre every Thursday at 10.15am; and a guided bike ride every Thursday afternoon in various locations. For more information call Robyn Hughes on 07917 730843 or visit www.sustrans.org.uk/activetravel
Bike It, Walk It is supported by and working in partnership with the Big Lottery Fund, Caerphilly Health Alliance, the Sports Council for Wales and Enfys.
Sustrans is the UK’s leading sustainable transport charity. Its vision is a world in which people choose to travel in ways that benefit their health and the environment. It is achieving this through innovative but practical solutions to the UK’s transport challenges.
Sustrans’ flagship project, the National Cycle Network, is now around 12,000 miles and runs within one mile of 55 per cent of the UK population. During 2007 over 354 million trips were made on the Network. There are around 2,500 rangers helping to look after the National Cycle Network.
Wales has over 1,000 miles of National Cycle Network, with a team of around 170 volunteer Rangers who help to maintain the Network across the country.
Sustrans is the UK's leading sustainable transport charity, working on practical projects so people can choose to travel in ways that benefit their health and the environment. The charity is behind the award winning National Cycle Network, Connect2, Safe Routes to Schools, Bike It, TravelSmart, Active Travel and Liveable Neighbourhoods, all projects that are changing our world one mile at a time.
Source: Sustrans
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