STOCKTON'S cyclists are being encouraged to put on a show of pedal power on Stockton High Street to support the launch of a new cycling DVD on Tuesday, May 13, at 10:30am.
The DVD, Do It By Cycle, features just about everything you need to know about cycling, from buying a bike to maintaining it, to learning the basics of safe road cycling to advanced route planning. Do It By Cycle was created in partnership between Stockton Borough Council, North Yorkshire Council, York City Council and Cambridge County Council.
Councils nationwide will use the DVD to aid their cycle training and encourage more people to get in the saddle. It will also be given free of charge to people who attain the Level 2 National Standard with Stockton Borough Council's cycling team.
Stockton Borough Council provided most of the expertise and contributed to the script and filming, which took place throughout the Borough and in York. Council cycling team members Neil Ellison, Jonathan Kibble and Julian Butler all appear in the DVD.
Professionally produced to full broadcast standard, Do It By Cycle is hosted by popular BBC presenters Gemma Hunt (CBBC) and Alan Williams (BBC Wales).
The Mayor of Stockton, Councillor John Fletcher, will present a screening of the DVD on the side of a 'digi-van', as well as a short guided ride by children from Egglescliffe School, including two pupils who star in the DVD. The Borough's cycling enthusiasts who attend the launch with their bicycles can pick up a copy of Do It By Cycle, and a mystery goody bag, in return for a £1 donation to the Mayor's charity fund.
Egglescliffe School will also receive 150 copies of the DVD.
Councillor Bob Cook, Stockton Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, said: "This DVD shows the skills of our cycling team and I'm thrilled people all over the country will soon be able to learn from them.
"The DVD will make a huge difference to cycle training in the UK and I'm so proud our cycling experts have played such a leading role. In fact, Do It By Cycle is not just the title of the DVD - it is the strap line for all of the Council's cycling activities."
Stockton Borough Council runs practical cycling training for children, adults and employers who want to encourage sustainable transport for their staff. All courses meet the new Bikeability national standard. To find out more, call (01624) 526735 or email cycling@stockton.gov.uk.
