Gateshead Council Press Release
Hi-Ho, Cyclists... Away!
Cyclists in Gateshead are being given the call to ‘saddle up' as plans for a new generation of Rangers are unveiled.
Gateshead Council and Sustrans, promoters of the National Cycle Network, are keen to recruit a team of not necessarily Lone Rangers to patrol the borough's cycle paths to help right wrongs and generally clean up the place.
A posse of volunteer rangers have already been taking care of Gateshead's main cycle paths, the Derwent Walk, the C2C and the Keelman's Way - by carrying out regular inspections, trimming back vegetation, sweeping up broken glass and reporting on any faults or vandalism.
Gateshead Council is now looking to round up a new band of volunteers to work alongside their existing Rangers to enable Gateshead's entire 34km network of cycle paths to be covered.
David Gray, Sustran's Rangers Manager, says:
"We have always found that the best people to look after these routes are the very people who use them regularly and appreciate them most."" We have found that Rangers tend to notice the small faults that can become big problems if left unattended, and it is very much in their interest to see that these paths are maintained."
John Bann, Head of Transport Strategy (and a keen cyclist) says:
"Cycle Rangers have proved their worth on the borough's major cycle paths - they have helped us to make our paths a clean and safer place for everyone. We are now keen to marshal the support of more cyclists so we can expand the Ranger Service to new territories.""It doesn't need to be an arduous job. If you are already a regular cyclist, then perhaps you could make regular checks on a cycle path near you home, or on your way to work or college. If so, we want to hear from you."
Training is provided for each volunteer by Sustrans and a basic set of equipment is provided, including a high-visibility vest, handbook, identity card, hand tools, graffiti remover and litter picker.
Gateshead is the first local authority in the UK to commission Sustrans to recruit, manage and support its Cycle Path Rangers - and to use them for cycle paths other than those which are part of the National Cycle Network.
Anyone wanting to get on their bike and to do their bit should contact
Sustrans on 01207 281259
or
email Lorraine Turnbull at
