Did you catch the People's Millions, screened on TV just before Christmas?
If you didn't, you might not know that Hastings is one of several towns up and down the country to benefit from a £50 million windfall investment from the Big Lottery in our cycling routes.
In the age of increasing petrol prices and a higher cost of living, have you considered the plus side of pedal power?
Forget the health benefits for just a minute and imagine Hastings with less cars, more parking spaces and less pollution. Cutting down on the amount you use your car can make a positive impact on our town as a whole and save you a packet in parking and petrol costs.
Taking up cycling as a leisure activity is perfect for a place like Hastings and St Leonards, with its cycle friendly seafront and attractive countryside.
The driving force behind the efforts to make Hastings and St Leonards a cycle-friendly town is a mix of local enthusiasts and national charity Sustrans.
It was Sustrans, working with community groups, East Sussex County Council and Hastings Borough Council that helped net our portion of the People's Millions.
On a local level this money will be spent on providing a cycle and pedestrian link between Hastings and Bexhill. Currently, the low lying sea cliff at Glyne Gap severs the two beaches, forcing walkers and bikers to negotiate the busy main road. This new coastal link, made possible by new defence works, will connect the two towns with a fantastic seaside route.
There are plenty of routes in and around 1066 country, to kick start your new cycling hobby and plenty of shops and organisations to help you on your way with advice and suggestions.
Keep an eye out for our Active Hastings classes where you can brush up on your cycling proficiency.
Visit www.hastingsurbanbikes.com for details of organised rides and the latest news on the Glyne Gap Link work. Above all, get on your bike and have fun.
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This page last updated: 11/06/2008