Over 100 cyclists from 15 companies located at Culham Science Centre (CSC) cycled over 2,000 miles in one day to commute to work as part of CSC’s annual Bike to Work Day on Wednesday 18 June, organised in support of national initiative, Bike Week (14 – 22 June 2014).
A record number of cyclists passed through CSC’s gates to earn a free breakfast for their valiant efforts followed by the opportunity to have their bike security marked by Thames Valley Police, a free on site service provided for the first time this year.
Culham Science Centre, owned by the UK Atomic Energy Authority, held its first Bike to Work event in 2010. This forms part of CSC’s wider travel strategy to promote sustainable travel and to encourage more of the 2,000 people already based on site to explore alternative modes of transport.
Anne Tingley, travel coordinator and part of CSC’s property team, said: “The event has grown in popularity attracting more participants year on year who we hope will add to our already dedicated cycling fraternity. Our annual traffic count indicates that cycling to work is the second most popular mode of transport, beating car shares and public transport.”
To encourage cycling, CSC has recently upgraded the entrance footpath to a shared designated cycle/pedestrian path; improved the surface of the main on-site roundabout and installed additional Sheffield bike stands in response to increased numbers of cyclists on site.
| Jim Conboy who works for the Integrated Modelling Group at UK Atomic Energy Authority, cycled the furthest distance covering his 35 mile commute to CSC from Chesham, in 2.5 hours. He said: “Although 35 miles is too far for a daily cycle commute, once a year is an achievable target. Good weather and a free breakfast are an incentive to get back on the bike after the winter, and be ready for some rides through the Chilterns over the summer.” |
The CSC cycling commuters were also privy to an on site exhibition of the latest range of bikes and cycling accessories from Ridgeway Cycles of Wantage in addition to security marking from Thames Valley Police.
Jennie Cox, PC at Wallingford Police Station, Thames Valley Police, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many cyclists today at Culham Science Centre. In support of our wider campaign to prevent cycle theft across Oxfordshire, we have offered all cyclists tamper proof post coding stickers couple with generic ‘cycle coded’ stickers to act as a further deterrent. This provides us with an identifiable mark should the cycle be stolen and subsequently seized or located by ourselves.”
Ends
For further information, contact:
Kelly Lea, M: 07988 195 262 ; E: Kelly@kellyleapr.com
Photo captions:
| • | A group of participants at Culham Science Centre’s Bike to Work event, headed by Richard Kemp, Culham Bicycle User Group’s coordinator. |
| • | Casimir Berthier Fotso, Director of Afrikanet taking part in Culham Science Centre’s Bike to Work event |
| • | Jim Conboy (quoted) arriving at Culham Science Centre’s Bike to Work event |
To find out more about Bike Week, visit: http://bikeweek.org.uk/
About Culham Science Centre:
| 1 | Culham Science Centre is the national centre for the development of fusion energy and a major science and technology centre supporting a range of innovative businesses – see www.culham.org.uk |
| 2 | Culham Science Centre already supports 2,000 jobs in a range of high value businesses and organisations and is earmarked for 50{26b5269ba9efa8bf0dadd5ed8b2cf718b81e75206361096d06e424c8a1f3b697} growth. |
| 3 | Culham Science Centre covers approximately 80 hectares in the Oxford Green Belt near Abingdon on Thames. |
| 4 | Culham Science Centre is one of the three major science and business centres that form the heart of Science Vale Oxford, Oxfordshire’s internationally significant zone of enterprise which is key to the future competitiveness of the UK. |
| 5 | Anne Tingley, Systems & Marketing Manager, Property Group, UK Atomic Energy Authority promoting Culham Science Centre and its commercial portfolio. Travel Co-ordinator for Culham Science Centre, including car share scheme and website manager. www.culham.org.uk; www.culhamcarshare.com |
