Evans Cycles, the country’s leading specialist cycling retailer, is the latest company to sign up to British Cycling’s #ChooseCycling network.
Evans Cycles joins over 30 other companies, including the likes of Coca-Cola, Aldi, National Grid and GlaxoSmithKline, in pledging their support to the network which was set up to unite businesses who strongly believe that cycling should be an everyday transport option for their employees and customers.
The retailer, which was established nearly a century ago and now boasts 58 stores across the country, is already a valued partner of British Cycling and the successful Go-Ride initiative, which provides fun and safe opportunities for youngsters to improve their bike handling skills.
It is this commitment to ensuring that people have a safe environment in which to cycle which has led to the company joining the network, says Evans Cycles’ PR Manager, Chris Snook.
He says:
“Evans Cycles is already proud to support British Cycling’s Go-Ride programme; helping to increase participation in grassroots cycle sport amongst young people under the age of 16. Naturally, we want to see these riders enjoy their cycling in a safe environment.
“In addition we are keen to see further investment in cycle infrastructure to help facilitate travel by bike. Over the last decade participation in cycling has increased by over 20% yet still, only 2% of journeys are by bike. We have witnessed great success in cities such as Copenhagen and New York, but in order for this figure to significantly increase in Britain, cycling has to be put on the political agenda. This is exactly what #ChooseCycling seeks to address.”
Martin Key, campaign manager at British Cycling, adds:
“The network has grown incredibly quickly in recent months, and we are delighted to now welcome Evans Cycles on board.
“Evans Cycles already does fantastic work alongside British Cycling’s Go-Ride programme. The two organisations, along with the Bicycle Association, are working together to deliver two million opportunities for young people to get into cycling by 2020.
“With more young riders, it is vital that children are equipped with the necessary skills to ride on today’s roads and have safe routes on which to ride to school, and in later life, their workplace. Bikeability training teaches young people to ride confidently and share the road, arming them with an ability they will take into adulthood.
“The #ChooseCycling network exists to ensure that cycling is prioritised and allocated meaningful funding, therefore making cycling a genuine transportation option for as many people as possible and improving the communities in which we live.”
Go-Ride is British Cycling’s development programme for young people and can be a continuation of Bikeability training, which equips children with the skills and confidence to ride a bike.
Bikeability is split into three award levels to suit everyone from beginner to experienced rider, and focuses on encouraging a healthy lifestyle, boosting confidence and developing independence.
