News Article

Regional Development Agency One North East has been recognised for its work in helping to create the first 10,000 miles of the National Cycle Network.

One North East was named among the winners at the first National Cycle Network Awards for Excellence, an event staged by Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity that works on practical projects to encourage people to walk, cycle and use public transport in order to reduce motor traffic and its adverse effects. Sustrans' flagship project is the National Cycle Network, creating 10,000 miles of routes throughout the UK.
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The award acknowledges the contribution One North East has made to cycling in the region and its investment in several key sections of traffic-free path to complete routes such as the Pennine and Hadrian’s Cycleway.

John Holmes, director of regeneration and tourism at One North East, accepted the award on behalf of the region. He said:

“North East England already includes some of the most high quality cycle routes to be found in the country which is helping towards our goal of becoming the most cycle-friendly region in the country.

“Cycling tourism is becoming increasingly popular in the North East with the Coast 2 Coast route alone accounting for £1.5m worth of tourism revenue.  We are committed to supporting cycling development and supporting the success of the National Cycle Network through investment and also marketing support.”

These promotional efforts include a new regional cycling guide to be published early next year by One North East and Sustrans. It will be aimed at occasional and leisure cyclists who have an estimated spend of £9.4m within the region, according to research carried out by Sustrans.

The new guide will act as a signpost to the region, featuring taster routes, local services, accommodation, attractions and suggested itineraries for days out throughout the region.

Sustrans Chief Executive John Grimshaw said:

"Sustrans would like to thank One North East for helping Sustrans reach the first 10,000 miles of the National Cycle Network.  Already nearly 50% of the population lives within 1 mile of these safe, attractive walking and cycling routes. With the support from partners like the regional development agency, we aim to offer people more choice to travel in ways that benefit their health and the environment by extending the Network to even more people."

For more information please contact: Stuart Boyd, press office, One North East on Tel: (0191) 229 8428
e-mail : stuart.boyd@onenortheast.co.uk