Cycling Central in the Chilterns
Cycling in the Chilterns is getting a boost this spring with electric bikes, a new cycle hire fleet and rides galore including a new local cycling guide containing routes and places to visit, all centred around the Cycle Chilterns Bike Hub in Great Missenden.
CTC’s cycling development project, Cycle Chilterns, has partnered with local business The Bicycle Workshop and provided them with the electric and hybrid bikes to create a new and much needed cycle hire centre in the Chilterns. And to encourage people to give electric bikes a go, from 25th March to the end of April they can be hired for £5 or free with a valid bus or train ticket or season ticket. Lovelo in Berkhamsted has also been given two e-bikes and will be running the same special offer.
Sara Randle, Project Manager of Cycle Chilterns said “Great Missenden is a great base for cycling so The Bicycle Workshop was an obvious choice to work with to start a new cycle hire business. Electric bikes open up the opportunities to people that maybe think they’re not quite fit enough to ride in the Chiltern Hills and by offering a free trial we hope people will pop along and give it a go, even if it’s just along the road to grab a coffee. Everyone has to start somewhere.”
To help cyclists explore the area a handy “Cycling in Great Missenden” leaflet and map has also been produced with suggested cycle routes, local attractions and refreshments stops included. Extra information and longer cycle routes in the area are available on a dedicated interactive web page http://cyclechilterns.co.uk/cycling-in-great-missenden.
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April also sees the start of a series of new free weekly Health Rides and monthly Ladies Only Rides based in the market towns of Buckinghamshire. Ride leader Helen Biggerstaff said “We’ve got the complete package at the Bike Hub now – rides for beginners to join, cycle maps and a range of bikes for people to use. We’ve made it as easy as possible for anyone and everyone to get out cycling in the Chilterns.”
For more information on the Cycle Chilterns project please visit www.cyclechilterns.co.uk.