Better by Bike
Cycling is the modern, cheap, healthy and green way to get around, with more and more people are discovering the benefits. You can too!
“It’s great. I get up, get on my bike and bang! I’m at work before I know it. No jams, no schedules!" Adrian, Bristol.
Cycling City ProjectThe area of Greater Bristol received the UK’s first Cycling City status in June 2008. The status was awarded jointly to the two councils in Greater Bristol - Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council.
Cycling City is not just an award - it is an opportunity for everyone in the region. The total funding of £22.8 million brings the potential for unprecedented levels of innovation, involvement and creativity.
Both councils have set the ambitious target of doubling the number of regular cyclists in Greater Bristol by March 2011.
To do this they need to deliver information and infrastructure to help people get to their destination by bike, as well as providing them with the skills to confidently undertake such journeys.
But perhaps more than any of these things, Bristol and South Gloucestershire councils - as well as councils across the UK and the hundreds of partner agencies involved in the promotion of cycling - need to engage local communities, to enthuse them, and to help them to discover how easy it is to take up cycling and the whole new way of life that cycling opens up to them.
Every citizen, not just those who cycle, will benefit from better air quality, less traffic congestion and safer roads. Those who start cycling will also benefit from improved health and well-being, a cost-effective and sustainable form of transport, and a fresh perspective on our beautiful city and the surrounding area.
InfrastructureCycling City infrastructureGreater Bristol’s Cycling City project gives Bristol and South Gloucestershire councils the chance to build on the provision of cycling facilities in the region.
Many new cycle routes are being developed and many existing routes are being upgraded.
Both councils are providing for beginners, building safe, off-road, traffic-free bike paths for non-cyclists to build their confidence. Yet they are also making sure that current cyclists have better facilities such as dedicated, on-road routes, and hundreds of new bike parking areas.
Get CyclingCycling does wonders for your health and fitness, keeps your weight down, saves money, beats traffic jams and it’s as easy as... well, riding a bike!
More and more people are discovering the huge advantages of riding a bike, so why not join them and get fresh air, and cheap and healthy travel.
If you’re just getting started and don’t know anything about bikes or cycling, download a copy of our ’Get Cycling’ guide. It’s aimed at new and returning cyclists and is packed with tips.
To get this guide plus help with the following subjects just viste our website:
www.betterbybike.info- choosing a bike
- clothes and accessories
- simple bicycle maintenance
- bike security
- how to be a better bike rider
- getting to work by bike
- cycle training
- cycling for fun
- cycling with children
How to get involved in Cycling CityIf you cycle already or encourage your kids to cycle then you’re already involved! If it’s been a while since you were on a bike then you’re only a short step away. Bristol is already one of the UK’s leading cycling cities and the more people out there on their bikes the better it will get for everyone. Share your enjoyment and the benefits of cycling by encouraging others to do the same. Talk to your employer, school, shop or leisure centre asking if they’ve made contact with Cycling City. We need your ideas and energy! If you have any further questions or ideas about Cycling City, or if you wish to register to receive newsletters and information updates please email the project team at:
cycling.city@bristol.gov.uk