Brighten up, be seen!

With the clocks having just gone back and with the evenings drawing in all road users need to take extra care and look out for others.

Bike Friday want people to continue enjoying the freedom of cycling in Greater Manchester and are encouraging people to ‘Brighten Up – Be Seen’ and cycle safely and with confidence during the winter months.

To help people “Brighten up and Be Seen” the first 50 Bike Friday participants will receive a free battery charger and set of rechargeable batteries donated by Manchester Friends of the Earth (co-organisers of Bike Friday) and ten lucky cyclists will also receive a hi-viz vest kindly donated by the Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op.

Graeme Sherriff, from Manchester Friends of the Earth said: “We don’t have to put our bikes in the shed just because winter is on its way. Cycling is a healthy and safe way to travel but it is really important to be bright and visible on your bike over the winter months.”

Bike Friday combines a range of cycle rides into the City centre from various locations as well as working with companies and local authorities in Greater Manchester to promote cycling, improve cycle facilities and to encourage more people to continue cycling to school, work and for leisure all year round.

The Bike Friday cycle rides start at 8am from Chorlton Library, Levenshulme Station, Prestwich Pizza Express, Stretford Mall and Withington Library and finish at approx 8.30am at the Triangle, Corporation Street, City Centre.

The Bike Friday cycle rides take place on the morning of the last Friday of every month (except December). The rides go a moderate pace, have experienced ride leaders, are entirely law-abiding and can help people develop more confidence in their cycling abilities.

For details of the routes see: www.bikefriday.org or join the Bike Friday Facebook group www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=99198337652