Individuals and organisations, throughout the border region are encouraged to use the Active Travel Centre, Bike Workshop and Community Space at the North West Transport Hub, to walk, wheel and cycle more to combat climate change and a growing health crisis.
The new facility is in partnership with Life Cycles, a Zero Waste North West initiative to save bikes from landfill and get people cycling through lessons, led rides and cycle fix sessions. Cycling accessories and bike mechanic services will be available from The Bike General. Little Acorns Bookstore will hand-pick a range of reading material related to walking, cycling, trains and the local area for all ages. Tourist information from Visit Derry will be available for those arriving at the award-winning new Transport Hub.
Training for those wishing to learn to cycle safely, and pinpointing cycle routes which will help people adopt a healthier option to the car, are just some of the activities that will be on offer from experienced Active Travel Officers.
As well as scheduled and project-based activities, the Active Travel Centre will be open to the general public from 10am to 1pm every Wednesday; and Thursday 6pm – 8pm for Cycle ‘Fix & Save’.
The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Sandra Duffy, encourages fellow citizens to get a burst of fresh air by walking or on an invigorating bike ride.
Mayor Duffy said: “I am delighted to attend the official opening of the new Active Travel Centre which will be a big boost to people’s physical and mental health as well as benefit the environment and help the council tackle climate change at a local level.
“By taking small individual steps locally and literally, we can all play our part in reducing emissions and engendering healthier habits for the good of the planet and ourselves.”
Chris Conway, Translink CEO, said: “We welcome the opening of this new Active Travel Centre at the North West Transport Hub, helping people make more sustainable transport choices. Using public transport and other active travel modes like walking and cycling reduces harmful emissions, tackles the climate emergency and creates a healthier region for everyone. This integrated approach is crucial to a transport transformation that supports the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the city.”
Caroline Bloomfield, Sustrans Northern Ireland Director, said: “It’s wonderful to have such a high-profile base in the North West where I know there already exists a superb network of greenways and cycle paths.
“Having an Active Travel Centre at the heart of the community encourages walking and cycling which brings multiple benefits so that we and future generations can live in a healthier, greener and happier place.
“I wish to thank our sponsors Translink and SEUPB who have helped us open this new hub.”
- A public open day will be held this Saturday 1 October, 10am – 4pm
- Throughout the day there will be recycled bikes on sale from Life Cycles, stalls, face painting and a range of activities:
- 10am – 10.30 Yoga
- 10.30am – 11.30 E-bike Ride
- 12 – 1pm North West Cycling Forum
- 12 – 2pm Bike Register: How to lock your bike
- 2 – 3pm Unicyclist - In Your Space
- 3 – 4pm E-bike Ride
- E-bike and bike loans are available from the Centre. Fill in this form to book https://bit.ly/ATCbikeloan
