RESIDENTS are being encouraged to jump on their bikes and reject rising petrol pump costs ahead of the return of an annual charity cycle sportive in Coventry and Warwickshire.
Organisers of the Starley Sportive want people living or working in the city to start travelling by bike to cut travel costs and familiarise themselves with the newly created 500-mile regional Starley Network in preparation for this year’s event.
The sportive and cycling network are named after two cycling pioneers who both worked and lived in Coventry.
James Starley was known as the father of the bicycle industry and John Kemp Starley is considered to have invented the modern bicycle.
The sportive was established by Coventry Road Club the Deeley Group and Coventry City Council and will take place on Sunday, September 4.
Those taking part will set off from Deeley Groups head office on Herald Avenue at 8.30am before cycling across Coventry and Warwickshire as well as parts of the Cotswolds.
The money raised will be going to The Myton Hospices, Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice and University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire Charity.
Organisers will give cyclists taking part in the event the option to donate to a local foodbank as part of a big drive that aims to support those in need within the community.
The Deeley Groups joint managing director Eleanor Deeley said: “As a community-focused business, we’re well aware of the challenges that everyone in the region is facing with the rising cost of living.
“Cycling to and from work is a great way to get regular exercise and is known to contribute to improved mental wellbeing, so we’d like to encourage people across Coventry and Warwickshire to don their helmets and start and end their working day in a positive, healthy manner.”
Coventry Road Club general secretary Ian Court added: “Coventrians are fortunate to now have a designated cycle network available to them to explore, navigate and conquer, and preparing for the Starley Sportive is a great way to get into the swing of things.
“A new motor-free cycleway in Coundon is nearing completion, with Binley also set for a new cycling zone.
“Whether it’s work or leisure, rain or shine, it’s a really great time to be out on your bike in the city – all while saving money and doing your bit for the environment.”
Visit www.starleysportive.co.uk/ for more information and to book a spot on the sportive.
