Judy reports for Bike Fair
Judy Goodlet, the 'Early Show' presenter at BBC Radio Solent and broadcaster of the morning traffic reports, is to open Winchester's annual 'Bike Fair & Cycle Cavalcade' in June. The event is just one of many cycling activities taking place in Winchester during National Bike Week (12-20 June), the UK's annual 'celebration of cycling'.
Because of work on redeveloping Old Market House in the High Street, the Bike Fair has been relocated this year to an area near the Buttercross. Judy Goodlet will open the Bike Fair at 10 am on Saturday 12 June at the Buttercross, with the help of the Deputy Mayor of Winchester, Councillor Mrs Cecily Sutton.
Visitors to the Bike Fair can try out a variety of bikes and equipment as well as talk to members of local cycling clubs, and get information on cycle hire, cycle training, safety and cycle rides in and around Winchester.
Judy says: "As a child I spent more time falling off my bike than cycling, but managed slightly better, years later, when MY children started to ride. Now we're 'empty nesting' the bike doesn't come out too often but when it does I always wonder why I left it so long!
"As well as being the Early Show presenter at BBC Radio Solent I broadcast the Traffic Reports. This makes me very aware of the need to ensure our youngsters are well equipped to cope on roads - by taking Cycling Proficiency Tests and wearing helmets. I know helmets aren't cool and take away a lot of the sense of freedom and that many Cycling organisations insist they should be voluntary, but the reports we hear makes me think they should voluntarily be plonked on the heads of all cyclists, young or old!
"Whenever I see an adult wearing a helmet I'm tempted to suggest immediate elevation to Sainthood for setting a good example," she added.
Exhibitors who have signed up for the Bike Fair already include cycling clubs CTC and VC Venta; the Forestry Commission with information on cycling in the New Forest; Hampshire County Council who have recently launched a 'Bikeabout' scheme for cycle loan; and Leukaemia Research Fund, this year's National Bike Week charity partner.
The number of cyclists taking part in the Cycle Cavalcade each year continues to rise and many of these are children who delight in cycling with their families as part of a large group.
Judy Goodlet will start the Cycle Cavalcade at 11 am from The Broadway beneath King Alfred's statue, although cyclists are expected to arrive from 10.30 am onwards to register.
Portswood Cycles are supplying some useful give-aways - water bottles to older cyclists and novelty bells for youngsters - and once underway cyclists will find themselves on a pleasant route around the City which will be way-marked with marshals stationed at all strategic points.
Other cycling activities in and around Winchester during National Bike Week include
- the VC Venta 'Cycle Slalom Challenge' for youngsters under 13 years of age at River Park Leisure Centre, also on Saturday 12 June
- a 'Back to Biking for Adults' refresher session on Wednesday 16 June with a qualified coach which is designed to get older cyclists back on their bikes
- and three individual rides (varying from 10 to 20 miles in length) which have been organised by the CTC where more competent cyclists can ride alongside its club members.
Winchester Bike Week is supported by Winchester City Council and benefits from MIRACLES (Multi Initiatives for Rationalised Accessibility and Clean Liveable EnvironmentS) funding.
For more information about the 9th Winchester Bike Fair & Cycle Cavalcade or any other events taking place in Winchester during National Bike Week visit the website: www.winchester.gov.uk/onthemove
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Contact details: Sally Hawthorne, Forum Communications, Eastgate House, Eastgate Street, Winchester SO23 8DZ. Tel. 01962 877833, e-mail: sallyhawthorne@forum-pr.co.uk or
Matthew Hill, Winchester City Council - Tel. 01962 848105 or e-mail: mhill@winchester.gov.uk