New cycle hoops launch Travelwise Week

New cycling infrastructure was launched today in Belfast as part of Travelwise Week, a DRD initiative, which runs from Thursday 16 September 2010.

A hundred new cycle hoops have been installed this year by Eastern Division of DRD Roads Service at key locations across the city centre and along main roads in the south and east of the city. People across the north are being urged to ‘Travel Smarter, Live Better’ during Travelwise Week, being run in conjunction with European Mobility Week, an initiative which will see hundreds of towns and cities across Europe promoting sustainable transport options.

The cycle hoop is an innovative product which uses existing street furniture such as signposts to offer secure cycle parking with minimal impact on other road users. These complement other measures such as cycle lanes, advanced stop lines and toucan crossings which have already been provided within recent years.

Aileen Gault of Travelwise NI said this was part of a number of initiatives planned during the week encouraging the public to consider the many health benefits on offer by choosing a more active way to travel instead of taking the car.

"Greater car usage means less exercise and poorer health amongst people here. Active travel has a vital role to play in helping tackle obesity and improving general health and wellbeing, and we work towards encouraging more employers, commuters and schoolchildren to opt for sustainable travel, year round, through a variety of initiatives. We hope that Travelwise Week will encourage people to consider smarter, healthier travel choices and develop a long term sustainable travel habit," said Ms Gault.

As part of Travelwise Week, Sustrans will have a cycling event to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the National Cycle Network on Saturday 18 September. Next Monday 20 September, has been designated as ‘Car Share’ day calling on commuters who cannot replace their car journey to consider how they can help reduce congestion and vehicle emissions by sharing transport. A major workplace travel plan in Newry will be launched on Wednesday 22 September.

Ms Gault added: "In addition to the health and environmental benefits many commuters could also benefit financially from more sustainable travel methods.

"With fuel prices continuing on an upward spiral, significant financial savings can also be made by leaving the car at home. We would urge people to consider the options that work best for them – whether it is walking, cycling, car sharing or public transport, or a mixture of these. And for those who cannot commit to using sustainable travel every day for the commute to work or the school run, perhaps they would consider making one day a week a car-free day. A small change can make a big difference. By making one journey by bus, bike or walking, you could reduce your carbon emissions by up to 20%, help the environment and improve your own health."

The Travelwise Week initiative has been welcomed by the Public Health Agency as a great opportunity for employers and employees to focus on the importance of physical activity.

Kim Kensett, Physical Activity Coordinator for the Public Health Agency, said: "By simply encouraging people to get off the bus or train one stop early, to walk or cycle to work, or even car share, we can all be travel wise.

"The benefits of physical activity include helping to reduce our risk of many illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and osteoporosis, and it can help control weight and reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression," she said.

For further information, including locations of the cycle hoops, is available on the Travelwise website www.travelwiseni.com

Notes to editors:

1. Travelwise NI is an agency within the Department for Regional Development and is dedicated to promoting the use of sustainable modes of transport such as car sharing, walking, cycling and public transport to audiences including employers, commuters and schools. http://www.travelwiseni.com
2. European Mobility Week runs from 16 to 22 September 2010. Hundreds of European towns and cities will participate in the European Mobility Week and invite their citizens to a wide range of activities promoting sustainable mobility. The 2010 campaign theme, 'Travel Smarter, Live Better,' was selected as the focal theme for European Mobility Week 2010 in recognition of the detrimental effects that current urban transportation trends have on health, both for citizens and for the towns and cities in which they live. For more information visit http://www.moblityweek.eu
3. Photographs are available from DRD Press Office.
4. Media queries should be directed to the Department for Regional Development Press Office on 028 9054 0817. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer on 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.