PRESS INFORMATION ________________________________________________

DIARY OF NATIONAL CYCLE NETWORK EVENTS SCHEDULED FOR OPENING DURING NATIONAL BIKE WEEK, 7-15 JUNE.

7 June - Nottinghamshire - The Trail" - Long Eaton to Heanor path. This section of disused railway line will be opened at 11 am at Straws Bridge, Ilkeston. A partnership project between Erewash Borough Council, Groundwork and Sustrans.

8 June - Devon - The Rolle Canal Tunnel will be declared open at a ceremony on the Tarka Trail at 2.3Opm. The tunnel creates a link to Taddiport. This section has been developed by Devon County Council, Great Torrington Common Conservators, Great Torrington Alms Land Trust, the Millennium Commission and Sustrans.

10 June - Staffordshire - The opening of the Lichfleld City Centre Cycle Route from St Chad's Road to Netherstowe at 2.3Opm. The ceremony will take place at Netherstowe School which can now be accessed safely by the cycle route which forms a link right into the town centre and passes Lichtield Cathedral. This is a partnership project with Staffordshire County Council, Lichfleld District Council, Lichfield City Council, the Millennium Commission and Sustrans.

10 June - West Midlands - West Bromich to Smethwick at 10.30 am. A Millennium Milepost will be unveiled at the junction with the West Bromwich Parkway route alongside the Midland Metro Light Rail scheme. This route will improve access for cyclists and pedestrians between these towns, avoiding busy roads. A partnership with West Bromich, Sandwell MBC, the Millennium Commission and Sustrans.

II June - Northern Ireland - the first National Cycle Network route to be opened in Northern Ireland. A 10km section covering signed paths and minor roads between Portadown and Oxford Ireland will be opened at Craigavon Lakes. To make the most of"cycle to work day" an inaugural ride will set off at 8.3Oam. A partnership project between the DoE Roads Service, Craigavon Borough Council, the Millennium Commission and Sustrans.

13 June - Scotland - Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, Aberfoyle, Scotland at I .3Opm. This opening follows a volunteer Summer Workcamp and will include World Champion Cyclist, Graeme Obree and Olympic Sculler, Peter Haining cycling the newly constructed link through the forest to the village on a tandem. This path forms an integral part of the 20km forest trail and has been developed with Stirling Council, Forest Enterprise, European flinds, the Millennium Commission and Sustrans.

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For Further Information

Please Call Lucy Thorp

Tel: (0117) 927 7555

14 June - Kent - Tunbridge Wells to Tenterden, this 32 mile route will be opened at the Forestry Commission office at Bedgebury Forest at 2 pm. The route linksthe Forest with the highway. A partnership with Tunbridge Wells Borough.

A MILLENNIUM PROJECT

SUPPORTED BY FUNDS FROM THE NATIONAL LOTTERY

BE COURTEOUS AND SAFE - AND RING YOUR BELL - ON THE NATIONAL CYCLE NETWORK

The Good Cycling Code and the National Cycle Network Bell are launched this week -National Bike Week - by Sustrans, the civil engineering charity, responsible for co-ordinating the National Cycle Network. This Millennium project will provide over 6,500 miles of cycle routes by 2005, following an award of £43.5m from the Millennium Commission in 1995.

The Good Cycling Code offers guidelines covering good manners towards other users and safety for cyclists on both the highway sections and the traffic-free path sections of the National Cycle Network. The Code urges cyclists not to speed, to give way to pedestrians, to be aware that some pedestrians may be visually impaired, and - importantly to fit and use a bicycle bell. Comments on the Code from other user groups are welcome. The National Cycle Network Bell carries the message A Peal to Pedestrians - Cycle Safe and Sound, and will enable cyclists to offer a friendly greeting. The Bell is now available (price £2.99).

Carol Freeman, Sustrans Development Director said, 9'We hope to encourage a courteous attitude amongst cyclists towards other route users, including other cyclists, pedestrians, those in wheelchairs, horse-riders and motorists. The National Cycle Network is encouraging people back onto their bikes, and is designed to be as safe as possible for all users".

Lucy Thorp, Senior Press Officer Tel. 0117 927 7555

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