Project helps old bikes to shift up a gear
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MORE than 80 people have been paired with their perfect set of wheels thanks to a cycling promotion scheme.
The WheelNess project provides people with free access to a bike and a support to help them get out and about on two wheels, often for the first time.
Organisers say the venture, which is focused on people with low incomes or those with underlying health problems who would benefit from cycling, is paying double dividends by allowing individuals to pocket their bus money and get fitter in the process.
The project, made up of nine partners including the city’s award winning newly-crowned Velocity Café, celebrated the milestone by bringing some of the budding new cyclists together for an event.
And at the same time Velocity Café and its bicycle workshop was presented with Cycling UK’s cyclists’ café of the year award.
Dave Sage, café manager, said it was a great achievement which reflected the efforts of everyone involved in the café since it opened
in Crown Avenue six years ago.
He said: “This is fantastic. There have been lots of people who have contributed to our success. We have become a bit of a mecca for people who are keen cyclists in this area.
“This is a place where people can get all their cycling needs met and enjoy some home-made food. We serve a different lunch special every day and pretty much everything is made on site.”
