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Liverpool commuters urged to cycle to work

Liverpool business leaders have been urged to promote a project that encourages commuters to cycle into work.

The Liverpool City Cycle Hire Scheme hopes to get commuters using a cheaper, healthier and more environmentally friendly way of getting into work.

Olympic gold medalist Chris Boardman MBE, joined a meeting with business leaders on Wednesday to discuss ways to set up a cycle hire station at the Liverpool Innovation Park.

Chris is a champion of the scheme which will be launched later in 2013 and is the largest of its kind in the UK, excepting the scheme in London fronted by Boris Johnson.

City Central BID and Liverpool Commercial District BID will carry out a survey on behalf of the city council to measure views from businesses and the public around the scheme.

Chris commented: “It’s vital we get businesses on-board because they will be key to the success of the scheme.

“It’s about changing commuters’ mindsets, getting them to think about swapping the car for the bike and showing them that cycling is a cheap, healthy and environmentally friendly way of getting around.”

Over the past three years there has been a 20% increase in the number of bike journeys made year-on-year in Liverpool.

Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for transport, Cllr Tim Moore, said: “It’s great news that [Chris] is now working with the business community.

“If we want to make the scheme a success and build sustainable transport into everyday city life, we need the city’s commuters on-board, and Chris will play an important part in helping us achieve that.”

Lisa Byrne, managing director of Wavertree Electrical Supplies, who are backing the scheme, said: “Business Leaders welcome Liverpool’s Cycle Hire Scheme, as a workforce that regularly cycles to work will be fitter and healthier, both physically and mentally.

“Research shows cyclists take 15% fewer days off work through illness, increasing productivity and lowering business costs, alongside the positive environmental impact of lowering car use.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .