On Saturday the 29th November, a day of #GreeningGorebridge occurred when Cycling UK’s Big Bike Revival came to the town. It was a great celebration of the bicycle and all ages were there, with very small bikes, to very light carbon road bikes, mountain bikes and electric bikes. Some all day events took place in Auld Gala Park in Arniston, a wonderful open air venue for such events, the fruit of much hard work from Gorebridge Community Cares and Councillor Cath Johnstone. Dr Bike fixed all sorts of bikes and answered questions and The Bike People brought the pump track, which was a fun and active way to enjoy a bike not just for travelling, but fun on a rise and fall circuit.
Bogdan Handrea, Midlothian Council’s Sustainable Transport officer was there with information, maps and gadgets to show and advise on how the council is encouraging cycling, walking and public transport. He travels everywhere on an electric bike with front trailer, so he walks his talk…or cycles it!
#GreeningGorebridge is part of a Climate Challenge Fund initiative with the help of Keep Scotland Beautiful, and the ultimate long-term goal is to make Gorebridge a leading beacon town in addressing climate change. The Trust always needs your ideas and help, and volunteers are welcome to become involved in the project to share out the work involved. It is an exciting programme of events and campaigns that will make a difference to us in the Gorebridge area, but also to the planet.
Macastory told stories in their inimitable way engaging the children and adults with great stories and all while wearing yellow lycra and tartan tumshies. Music and singing and bikes, with great refreshments overseen by Elaine and her team at the wonderful Gorebridge library.
The event Saturday was a joint venture with Cycling UK, GCDT and Midlothian Council. The Big Bike Revival project saw events across the country encourage people to get on their bike or take up cycling. All actions contribute towards the targets for sustainable travel in Scotland and the rest of the UK.
Saturday was about connecting people back to their bikes, or recognising and celebrating those who love and use their bikes regularly. The area is which we live is spectacularly beautiful and seen from walking or cycling, even more so. Artist Jackie Gibb of Temple Village recently took a series of photographs that celebrated the views from a bike and being in the local nature. These are postcards available at the Trust office for a small donation.
The view was enjoyed by those who participated in the led cycle from Gorebridge to Temple Village. Rosslyn from Sustrans, ably assisted by a pupil from Newbattle High School, safely escorted all levels of cyclists to and from Temple, and a picnic lunch was enjoyed there by all participants, hosted by Kerry and Tam, who live in the small village. The video of the cycle is below:
[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw9Hji2p1Yc[/embedyt]
We plan another event n Spring 2018 with plans to set up regular Dr Bike sessions locally and support for local cycling clubs from Cycling UK who wish to support the work involving cycling.
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