By Linzi Watson

Last updated at 13:20, Monday, 04 May 2009

Cumbrians have no excuse for not getting on their bikes this summer, according to a county cycling expert.

Richard Martin, who is one half of Keswick-based training group Cyclewise, has been working for the past five years to change attitudes towards biking and has seen Cumbria climb the charts from one of the worst voted areas for road journeys in the country.

But now, with more funding and training available than ever before, motorists are being urged to ditch the car and Richard believes Cumbrian cyclists are well places to take advantage of the new schemes.

Cyclewise, which provides training for new government-funded scheme Bikeability, says that training and confidence building is seeing more kids with an interest in exploring the county on their bikes.

And with the summer looming, former outdoor instructor Richard is urging parents to follow suit adding: “There is no excuse now.”

Richard started Cyclewise with business partner Craig Scott in 2004 after becoming aware of a need to build awareness and confidence among would-be cyclists.

The training company is now based in Whinlatter, Keswick, but works with would-be enthusiasts all over the county. Having started out delivering proficiency training they are now leading the Bikeability scheme. The £10 million national scheme was launched by transport minister Paul Clark and sees kids in the county join schools across the UK to learn about cycling safety.

Richard added: “Because of our level of experience we were able to attract the £160,000 funding for this project and now reach 3,000 kids a year.

“We also now employ nine staff who are some of the most qualified trainers in the country.

“The difference between proficiency and Bikeability is the issue of enjoyment and skill variety.

“With proficiency training you tend to concentrate on the one area.

“Cumbria is a real success story in terms of cycling. We are seeing more and more kids who have gone through the training and are encouraging their parents to get involved with them.

“When we go into schools to talk to kids and ask them how many come to school in cars, the majority of the class put their hands up.

“Ironically, when we then ask who would like to bike to school, just as many kids put their hands up.

“This is the generation who will make the difference.

“Cumbria has great facilities for cyclists and the biggest cycling route in the country, the Coast to Coast route, so there is really no excuse for more people not to get out and about on bikes this summer.”

First published at 11:22, Monday, 04 May 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk