19 June 2009

The joys and benefits of new waterside cycle paths which link communities in Northampton will be available for all to experience at the Ways Through Waterside guided cycle ride and story walk event on Saturday, July 4. Click here to see the poster.

Sustrans’ Connect 2 Day will also celebrate the completion of the first phase of the new routes which, when finished, will form a green artery through Northampton, connecting Briar Hill, Upton Park and the River Nene to the town centre.

The event has been organised jointly by Northamptonshire County Council, sustainable transport charity Sustrans, West Northamptonshire Development Corporation, the county council’s highways contractor MGWSP and Northampton Borough Council.

The ride and walk are part of Connect2 Day, a series of national celebrations to mark the achievements of the Sustrans Connect2 project since being awarded £50 million from the Big Lottery Fund’s Living Landmarks: The People’s Millions in December 2007.

Image: Cyclist enjoying the new Connect2 route near St James, Northampton

The Ways Through Waterside scheme is one of 79 schemes nationwide to benefit from the lottery award won by Sustrans, a sustainable transport charity. Each scheme is designed to create networks to encourage people to travel on foot or bike for leisure, or everyday journeys. When Northampton’s scheme is finished in 2011, a total of four kilometres of traffic-free greenway will have been laid, two bridges replaced and community artwork, seating areas, lighting and habitat-encouraging planting will also have been implemented.

Cyclists and walkers who want to attend the event on Saturday, July 4 are invited to meet in Becket’s Park between 10am and 10.30am. Victorian penny farthings and tricycles will be on show by Cyclemagic and participants can learn about cycling in the Victorian era before leaving at 10.30am on the five mile guided cycle ride or the 1.5 mile led walk. The ride is approximately one hour and the walk is approximately one hour 45 minutes. Both return to Becket’s Park.

The story walk is aimed at families with children under 10 years of age to discover the joys of strolling down the River Nene. A professional storyteller from A Word In Edgeways will be bringing a two-part riverside tale to life at stops and children can walk and search for items on the return journey.

An easy paced cycle ride led by a Sustrans ranger is aimed at children and adults of all ages. Additionally, prizes are to be won in a Riverside Quest book quiz provided by library services.

Participants arriving at Becket’s Park by car are advised to use the nearby public car parks. Organisers recommend people to bring along sun lotion, a suitable sun hat and a drink.

Riders must register in advance by emailing ehearne@mgwsp.co.uk or telephoning 01604 654 633 in office hours. Riders must also bring a road worthy bike and helmet on the day. All children walking or cycling must be accompanied by an adult.

Ref: WNDC2005

Media enquiries: Keredy Stott 01604 597 627 keredy.stott@wndc.org.uk

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