Pedal power is more popular in Herefordshire

It's National Bike Week and cyclists are ringing the changes. Journeys by pedal power have increased by ten per cent in the county in the last five years, says Herefordshire Council.

Since setting a benchmark in 2003, the council has encouraged schools and businesses to set environmentally friendly travel plans to try and cut down on their reliance on the car. Now the council's automatic traffic monitoring systems, at five points in the city, detect a rising number of bike journeys - now running at 12,000 bike journeys a day in Hereford between 7am and 7pm.

During Bike Week (14 to 22 June) even more people will be taking to the saddle in the county. Herefordshire Council will be staging adult cycle training sessions for some of the county's major employees to encourage more of them to cycle to work.

Over 27 per cent of Hereford's workforce are now included in 48 workplace travel plans and 97 out of the county's 113 state schools are now also running their own travel plans; many of which include increases in the number of people cycling to work and school.

For the future, the Connect 2 Hereford to Holme Lacy cycle route crossing the River Wye will convince more people to swap four wheels for two.

"With fuel costs at an all-time high it makes even more economic sense to try the bicycle as an alternative to the car", said Councillor Brian Wilcox, cabinet member for highways and transportation.

"Cycling to work or school cuts down on carbon dioxide emissions and is a great form of regular exercise. Now more than ever, cycling is better for your wallet, as well as your heart and lungs".

Events being held during National Bike Week include:

Tuesday 17 June - Cycle Safety Awareness Day at Whitecross School.

Wednesday 18 June - Cycle Safety Awareness Day when council staff will be handing out cycle info and high visibility gear on the Great Western Way, near Sainsbury's.

Wednesday 18 June to Friday 20 June - Bike Doctor events and adult cycle training sessions take place at various Herefordshire firms.