A secure cycle parking area is being created in Carlisle Parade underground car park, the first of its kind in East Sussex. The bicycle lockers will be made available to anyone looking to park their bicycle in Hastings town centre, and in particular tourists travelling by bicycle, leaving them free to explore Hastings many attractions secure in the knowledge their bicycles are safe. There will be a £1 fee for using the lockers, which is returnable. CCTV will also be in operation for increased security.
The secure cycle parking pilot should prove popular with both residents and visitors, and will set the pattern for similar facilities in other parts of the county.
In the summer issue of About magazine we promoted our new set of route maps for the coastal strip of East Sussex following the National Cycle Route 21 (NCR 21). In this issue we bring you news of the launch of a new set of maps to complement the coastal routes. These carry the details of the NCR 21, which runs north towards London from the south coast. They also show local circular routes based on NCR 21 taking in nearby places of interest.
This set of six maps will be available soon in your local Tourist Information Centre or via the East Sussex County Council website.
The new cycle route maps and secure cycle parking scheme have been part funded by European grants and East Sussex County Council.
For further information about cycling in East Sussex please contact:
The Cycling Promotions Officer
East Sussex County Council
Telephone: 01273 482652
e-Mail cycling@eastsussex.gov.uk
Detailed route maps and other information can be viewed and downloaded at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/cycling - For information on the National Cycle Network and interactive mapping go to www.nationalcyclenetwork.org.uk
"In the past few weeks, I've been getting out and about around Hastings by cycle and leaving the car behind. I love the hilly landscape of Hastings, which means there is always a fantastic view just around the corner- but those same hills are not ideal for cycling. Going to town from my office is not a chore, but coming back is definitely an uphill struggle! (You know what they say - the hardest thing about learning to ride a bicycle is the road!) Cycling is a great way of keeping fit but perhaps more importantly, choosing to cycle (or use public transport) instead of driving reduces carbon emissions, which we know contribute to global warming.
"As well as cycling I have been 're-cycling' and in my office we have added cardboard and plastic to the paper recycling system we already use, with the help of the brilliant new Hastings Borough Council recycling service. Any action we take to reduce the materials or energy we use helps to reduce our impact on the environment. The threat of climate change has become increasingly obvious in recent months with droughts across Europe. The Government are taking action on that threat and we have pledged to reduce our carbon emissions nationally by 20% by 2010, both by being more energy efficient and by supporting renewable energy alternatives. We intend to make Britain the world leader in action on climate change. But it's important that as individuals, we all do our bit to help make a difference too. That's why together with other MPs I have pledged this year to try and reduce my personal emissions (no unkind jokes please about politicians and hot air... )by 20%. If you would like to find out how you can help also then take a look at the Energy Trust website.
"For pensioners and families on low incomes, there are grants available to help make your home more energy efficient - the number to call is Freephone 0800 072 0150. Don't forget - the savings you make in energy efficiency save you money too so it is well worth doing."
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This page last updated: 29/09/2005