Capita Symonds

Cycle facilities have been enhanced following the award of the Sewta Sustainable travel grant, including the installation of new personal lockers and external cycle storage. Additional visitor cycle parking has also been provided next to the canteen.

These have contributed to the recent growth in cycling, typified by the support for the annual cycle to work week. In total seventeen different people cycled to work during the week, peaking on Thursday, when eleven people cycled, including the ‘pro-am’ team from Cardiff!

The grant also provided 3 new pool bikes for staff use – either to try cycling to work before buying a bike or enjoying a ride during your lunch break. 

The events culminated in a staff bike ride to Caerleon along the recently opened cycle route. The route was mainly flat and included a boardwalk section alongside the River Usk. The glorious weather provided the perfect excuse to stop for refreshment at the Hanbury Arms. A good time was had by all who took part and another ride is planned for later this year.

...the benefits of swapping the bus for your bike

“A couple of month ago I started to cycle to work from my home in Newport.

In the mornings I cycle along the canal, because I like to take it leisurely and the route is basically flat except for the very short steep bits next to locks. And now also because I want to see how the ugly ducklings are getting on.

On the return journey I travel along Malpas Road, because it is quicker and I enjoy the long downhill stretch.

I used to go by bus. I didn’t switch for any environmental reasons (passenger buses are pretty green too) or health reason (I now cycle a bit less in the evenings or weekends) or time reasons (it takes about the same time) but because it is cheaper.

The bus costs £2.80 per day with a clipper card, while cycling is basically free if you have a bike. (and if you don’t, the Cycle Purchase Scheme can help) Overall, a month of cycling saves more than £50. For car drivers the savings would be even bigger according to the AA website.

...On rainy days though I still take the bus.”

Christian Schmidt