Now There's How To Earn Your Breakfast!

Date published: 09/06/2005

Anyone cycling to work in Rochdale town centre next Monday will be rewarded with a free breakfast, so leave the car at home! As it will be 'Bike2Work Day' it will be marked with an event on The Butts on Monday 13 June, encouraging more people to get on their bikes to get to work. Employees and employers from throughout the Borough are being urged to take part in the event, and in Rochdale Town Centre an added bonus for all employees travelling in by bike will be a free 'bike breakfast' on The Butts. - between 8am and 10.00am

Commuters can choose from a 'healthy start breakfast' of fruit and other healthy choices, or a 'little devil breakfast' of a cream cake or bacon butty - highlighting the fact that cycling is so healthy that you're allowed to be a little naughty every now and again!

Everyone coming by bicycle will be entered into a prize draw for £100 of vouchers at Chris Paulson's Cycles on Yorkshire Street. Cyclists will also be able to test their 'pedal power' against that of a top local cyclist, and test their cycle handling skills on a specially designed course. All contestants will be entered into a prize draw for £50 of vouchers.

Commuter cyclists will also be able to sign up for the new secure cycling parking across the town centre - in the Town Hall car park, Reed Hill car park, and Smith Street opposite the Bus Station. After the Bike Breakfast there will be a 'Cycle Roadshow' for the general public until 2pm. Organised by the 'Company of Cyclists' a national cycling organization, this will include activities and information on cycling, fitness, and healthy living.

Dan Griffiths, Sustainability Policy Co-ordinator said, "A bicycle is often the fastest and most convenient means of transport for journeys of up to 10 miles in urban areas. Cycling offers genuine and flexible door-to-door convenience and has the added benefit of improving fitness and performance at work. Cyclists reduce traffic congestion and parking demand."
"More Rochdale people own a bicycle than ever before and cycling is growing in popularity, but many cycles are used only rarely. Bike2Work Day is aimed to get more people cycling more often."

Rochdale Council, Rochdale PCT, British Cycling, and Rochdale Cycling Club are backing the day as part of European Mobility Week, and National Bike Week, the UK's annual celebration of cycling.