On your bike for the commuter challenge

EXCELLENT opportunity: Councillor Stephen Barrow

Oldhamers are being invited to think about how they travel to work as part of the first-ever regional commuter challenge.

It is one of a number of cycling events organised across Greater Manchester to promote national Bike Week starting tomorrow.

To highlight these events in Oldham, two teams of commuters‚ one from Oldham, the other from Rochdale, are setting out on Monday morning using various types of transport to travel between Oldham Civic Centre and Rochdale Town Hall.

Each team consists of a car driver, train passenger, bus passenger and cyclist to highlight the pros and cons of using each form of transport as well as cost, convenience, time, health and the environment.

Oldham councillor Stephen Barrow said: “We have laid down the challenge for people to get on their bikes, or use public transport on the journey between Oldham and Rochdale.

“Better use of public transport makes a significant difference to levels of congestion — this week is an excellent opportunity for people to consider the alternatives available to how they currently travel to work.”

The commuter challenge is simple — cycle to and from work at least once during Bike Week.

Details can be found on the Greater Manchester cycling website at www.cyclegm.org.

Participants also have the chance to win a £100 prize.