Member Article

Pioneering cycling event is a Capitol idea

A pioneering cycling event has been held at Capitol Park West in Tingley, south Leeds.

The event, which was organised by Leeds-based traffic consultancy Bryan G Hall and was supported by the Leeds City Council cycling team took place outside the Johnson & Johnson building and proved very popular.

Mike Heydecke, chief executive officer of Sterling Capitol, the developers of Capitol Park, commented: “We were pleased to host an event which underlined the importance of cycling as a sustainable means of getting to and from work, as well as being part of a healthy lifestyle.

“The success of Capitol Park means that we have more than 1,600 people working here. Although we have car-parking space on site, we want to encourage more people to come to work on their cycles, because it eases the traffic flow, helps the environment and is good for their health.”

Rachael Bateman of Bryan G Hall, said: “It is extremely important to raise the profile of cycling, and walking as efficient, cheap, healthy and environmentally-friendly methods of getting to and from work. Events like this do exactly that.

“Our events featured Sowerby Cycle mechanics, who gave a number of bikes a thorough health check and brought electric bikes to the site for staff to try, and Capitol Park’s Travel Plan Co-ordinator who was available to discuss any travel-related queries.

“Occupiers and tenants of Capitol Park joined in with the event, which was partnered with Leeds-based health campaign One You, who offered staff information and tips on healthy living and an opportunity to register for one-to-one support” said Rachael.

Meanwhile Bryan G Hall also organised a private event outside the NHS building at Capitol Park East in conjunction with One You Leeds and Safer Roads West Yorkshire. The event focused on healthy living, including promoting cycling to work, cycle experts from Leeds City Council offered staff an opportunity to cycle a lap on a velodrome bike and shared information and advice, One You were on hand to discuss losing weight and stopping smoking.

Sam Warrington, an NHS employee who took part in the event, commented: “I have been trying to stop smoking for six months now and I hope this experience will help me to stop for good.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Robert Beaumont .