News
13 Jun 08Get on Your Bike With Borough of Poole
With summer here, Borough of Poole is encouraging people to get back on their bike, have fun and get fit as part of Bike Week 2008 
.
Rediscover the fun behind biking with a cycling treasure hunt at Upton Country Park on Sunday 15 June. The event, which starts at 10am from the car park is free and will involve a seven-mile circular route away from traffic with riders collecting clues along the way.
Anyone up to the challenge is welcome to come along but adults must accompany children under 14. As a reward, those who finish the course will receive a voucher for a free drink or ice cream at the Peacock Tea Rooms .
As part of ongoing partnership work with Borough of Poole to reduce bike theft in Poole, Dorset Police will also be at the event carrying out bike security marking.
Poole has over 47 miles of cycle routes in Poole, equivalent to 30 times the length of Brownsea Island ! Almost half of these routes can be found in lush green areas Poole has to offer.
For those wanting to learn how to ride or are itching to get back on their bikes, there are also Pedal Again in Poole courses on offer this summer. The hugely popular cycling courses were set up last year to help people learn to ride a bike or regain their confidence by renewing their cycling skills.
The courses cost as little as £3 for three 90-minute sessions and take place at Upton Country Park. If you don't have your own bike, for an extra £2 you can hire one to use at the sessions.
Juliet Artel, a resident from Poole who took part in one of the courses said: "When I started the course I was a complete novice and felt quite embarrassed by my lack of skill, but I persevered and I am thrilled that I can now cycle and have my own bike."
Sally Funnell, Cycling/Walking Officer, Borough of Poole, said: "The treasure hunt on Sunday and cycling courses are a great way for people to get out and about, have fun and discover some of the wonderful cycle routes that Poole has to offer. Many people find that returning to cycling offers them a number of great benefits, which include better fitness and more transport flexibility. This is particularly beneficial in view of the rising costs in petrol and in reducing our carbon footprint."
To apply or for more information about Pedal Again in Poole please contact Sally Funnell on 01202 262066 or s.funnel@poole.gov.uk
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