120 people from across Milton Keynes gathered for a short cycle ride through the city centre to celebrate MK’s new city status and recent increase in residents cycling to school and work in MK.
ITV News reporter Matt Hudson recently said: “I always thought Cambridge was the cycling capital of our region but there’s a new kid on the block.
"The city of Milton Keynes wants to be the place which has the most people using pedal power.”
On Thursday 14th July, riders from across Milton Keynes joined forces in an event organised by Cycling CitizensMK, to cycle in celebration of city status. Riders included MK Councillors, business and school leaders, primary school pupils, teenagers and vintage bicyclists in their 70s.
As well as the cycle ride, children from nine local schools showed off their cycling skills in MK’s first ever Bikeability Olympics competition.
10-year-old Luca Galeanu, the first winner in MK's Bikeability Olympics competition, said: “Cycling is important because I learn new things and make new friends, plus it keeps you healthy.”
Jo Lewington, Chief Environment and Sustainability Officer of Network Rail, who presented the medals, said: “We are always looking for new ways to promote sustainability. We’re delighted to have Network Rail staff playing their part as volunteer marshals at this Bikeability Olympics event.”
Councillor Lauren Townsend, Cabinet Member for Public Realm who attended Bikeability Olympics, said: “This is a great way to encourage children to cycle more. We know it’s good for health and can save money as well as saving the environment. It’s impressive that we have so many young people cycling safely to school. MK Council is proud to have the ambitious goal of becoming the UK’s leading city for cycling infrastructure."
