Peoples Republic of South Devon

Ger on your bike

June 15th, 2008

posted by Cptn

Bike Week cruised into action yesterday, and if you’re a little concerned by saddle soreness or not being able to pull the wheelies of your youth, consider this sobering piece of information which was included in the press release: ‘With unleaded petrol costing on average £1.16 a litre anyone cycling even a 10-mile round trip each day for five days can save around £7 per week in petrol costs alone.**’
But it’s not just the price of fuel that can persuade you to the peddles – there are health and lifestyle considerations, too.

Cathy McGarvey, of South West Water, cycled to work for the first time this week having completed Devon County Council’s cycle training course for adults, Cycle To Your Heart’s Content. She told the PRSD: “I had never cycled to work before the course and went on it to gain more confidence of cycling on roads in traffic and it has really helped. It’s only four miles from my home to work but it was much more pleasant than a car journey.”

Zoe Humble, who cycles from Stoke Hill to Landmark Information at Sowton Industrial Estate, said: “Having not ridden for 20 years it was a bit daunting to cycle again but it’s enjoyable, especially at this time of year. The main reason I cycle to work is for my health and it’s surprising how quickly your fitness and confidence improves, but I’m also saving around £30 a month. The county council’s cycle maps of Exeter have helped immensely at finding off-road routes. There are cycle paths that you aren’t aware of as a driver. I didn’t realise that 90 per cent of my journey is on a cycle lane, some of which is across green fields. The provision of the cycle network has helped me feel a lot more confident about tackling the journey.”

• Events being held during Bike Week include a free Dr Bike clinic and free police security marking outside WHSmith’s in Exeter Guildhall on Monday 16 June, from 9am - 5pm.
• Employees on the Sowton Industrial Estate and Exeter Business Park are invited to Ashfords Solicitors on Grenadier Road for its cycling celebration from 8:30am to 4pm on Friday 20 June.
• On Sunday 22 June, Bike Week will culminate with Cycle Sunday, a celebration of cycling from 10am to 5pm which will also raise funds for FORCE Cancer Charity. The six or 12 mile charity cycle rides start at Flowerpot Playing Fields near Millers Crossing in Exeter anytime between 11am and 2pm. Entry fees are £3 for adults and £1 for children under 16. This money, together with sponsorship money from those who choose to raise it, will go to FORCE Cancer Charity. To register call 01392 402875.

Calculations
**based on the average car consumption of 37.8mpg and cost of petrol at £1.16 a litre.
4.5461 litres in a gallon, so a gallon costs £5.29
50 miles @ 37.8mpg - takes 1.323 gallons
£5.29 x 1.323 = £6.998 (rounded up to £7)

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Entry Filed under: Environment, Society