• Thu. Mar 28th, 2024

North East Connected

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On your bike for Newcastle IT firm’s safer cycling initiative

Screen Shot 2015-11-16 at 14.53.53One of region’s fastest growing IT firms is peddling safer cycling for youngsters after linking-up a local cycling club and business park in a new training drive.
The move has seen Calibre Secured Networks, based at the Core at Science Central, secure a car park at Cobalt Business Park as the site for teaching road safety skills to youngsters from North Tyneside Riders (NTR) Cycling Club.
The initiative, which follows Calibre’s earlier sponsorship deal with the club and has the backing of North Tyneside Council, is part of NTR’s safety drive to ensure junior members can improve their riding skills.
The move reflects Calibre’s commitment to its own cycle-to-work scheme and comes as Department for Transport statistics show that North Tyneside, which has plans to improve cycling in the area, had the highest proportion of residents who regularly cycled – at least five times a week – in the North East.
Directors Steve and Karen Nelson, who are both keen cyclists and members of NTR, wanted to ensure that youngsters in the club could improve their riding skills in a safe place.
Karen Nelson said: “We have our own cycle to work scheme and are both passionate about promoting a healthy, happy workforce through activities such as cycling.
“But safety on the road is a big concern for cyclists; so we wanted a place where junior club members could learn the skills and awareness that will make them better cyclists.
“The site loaned by the Cobalt management team is perfect and will make a big difference.
“We had a lot of support from the council, including Elected Mayor Norma Redfearn, to get the initiative up and running, so I would like thank them together with Cobalt’s management team for their keen support.”
Bike4Health, a company developed to enable communities, businesses and children to incorporate cycling into their lives, is also involved after stepping in to help with additional coaches.
Lyn Cramman from Cobalt’s management team said: “We were delighted to help. As an organisation we’re committed to encouraging more sustainable ways for people to travel to work.
“And this of course includes cycling. So we welcome anything that contributes towards ensuring youngsters are safe on the roads, and begin their cycling adventures in the right way, with valuable training and guidance.”
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The project will involve an initial trial period ahead of plans by NTR to open it up soon to youngsters across all of North Tyneside. Information will be available to parents through local schools and advertising on NTR new website http://northtynesideriders.co.uk

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