Pedal-power to the parishes

Copyright NNDC

Issued on behalf of the North Norfolk Transport Group and Cycle Forum

A parish or community 'pool' bicycle that can be used by local people whenever they need it, is one of the prizes in a competition to find the North Norfolk parish that does the most to encourage cycling and safe motoring in its area.

Launched by the North Norfolk Transport Group and Cycle Forum, the 'Cycling Parish of the Year' competition aims to get as many local people as possible to use single-track lanes and other safe cycle routes for their routine work and shopping trips. By raising public awareness of safe cycle and pedestrian routes throughout the district, the Forum hopes to see a change in local travel culture and practice.

The competition was first held in North Norfolk during National Bike Week in June 2000. More than 200 residents took part in the competition, which was won jointly by the parishes of Kettlestone and Hickling.

Supported by North Norfolk District Council and Norfolk County Council, this year's competition has no fixed day or week, and parishes can organise events and activities at any time, up until Sunday, 22 September.

"The competition is simple to enter, without a host of prescriptive rules," said organiser Alicia Hull. "Anything will be considered, as long as it does something to encourage cycling. And it's open to everyone, not just cyclists and pedestrians - motorists are also invited to take part, since driving slowly and responsibly along country lanes and narrow roads is a vital part of the 'safe route' equation."

The Forum has a number of 'activity' suggestions for Parish Councils and individuals who are interested in entering the competition. These include:

• fun family cycle rides on local lanes;
• bike-to-work and bike-to-shop days;
• taking part in the Churches' sponsored cycle ride in September;
• taking part in September's 'European Car Free Day' cycle rides in and around Wells-next-the Sea;
• appointing someone to promote cycling in the parish and to liaise with the Forum;
• holding 'bike-doctor' repair and safety sessions in the community.

To enter the competition, detailed records of events, including the number of participants, should be sent to the North Norfolk Transport Group and Cycle Forum, c/o North Norfolk District Council, Council Offices, Holt Road, Cromer, NR27 9EN, by 22 September.

For more information about the 'Cycling Parish of the Year' competition, which will be judged by a panel of local cyclists, District Councillors and Norfolk County Council's Cycling Officer, please contact Alicia Hull on 01263 860518.