£1800 to get residents on their bikes

Cycling Scotland have granted local campaigners Cycling Dumfries over £1800 for their Bike Message Challenge, which will run for six weeks in May and June.
The challenge will offer participants the chance to win prizes if they run their errands, or get to work or school, in and around the town by bike – not just helping to cut congestion and parking woes in Dumfries, but also acting as a boost to local businesses.
Competitors can get their cards stamped at participating businesses and organisations across town, but can also prove they have made a trip by bike with a selfie of them and their bike.
The funding comes from the Cycle Friendly Communities fund which attracts entrants from across Scotland and this is the first time a Dumfries-based organisation has been successful.
Campaign co-ordinator Sally Hinchcliffe said: “As regular cyclists, we know that the bike is not just a practical way to get around town – it’s also the most fun.
“But a lot of people just don’t think of cycling because they’re used to just stepping into the car, saving the bike for weekends.”
She added: “We thought we’d inject a little bit of adventure into the everyday routine of shopping, running errands, even going to work or school. By the time the challenge is over, we’re sure some people won’t want to go back to the car – after all with a bike, you’re never stuck in traffic and there’s always somewhere to park.”
For details on the campaign e-mail Sally at [email protected].