Staff let their bikes take the strain » Environment » 24dash.com

MORE than a dozen Richmondshire District Council staff left their cars at home and walked or cycled to work for a day to mark Bike Week.

The Council joined in the nationwide event as part of its Green Travel Plan, which encourages staff to use more sustainable methods of transport, as well as lead more active and healthy lifestyles.

Fourteen members of staff cycled or walked to work and a further six had a five-minute session on Richmond Cycling Clubs turbo trainer, which was installed in Swale House for the morning. There were gift vouchers on offer for those who travelled the furthest with the winner cycling the 11 miles from his home in Reeth all the way into Richmond.

Expert advice and information was provided by Richmond Cycling Club, Arthur Caygills, CTC and Richmondshire Leisure Trust.

Helen Harper, Policy Officer (Sustainable Development) at Richmondshire District Council, said: It was fantastic to see how enthusiastic staff were about ditching their cars for a day and I hope Bike Week will encourage them and others to cycle or walk as much as possible in future.