BOSSES at the Peak District National Park Authority have promised to make the most of a Government cash handout to promote cycling in the area.
As part of a £62 million investment in getting people on their bike across the country, the government has set aside £12 million for national parks and the Peak District will be entitled to apply for a share.
The Peak District National Park Authority’s chief executive Jim Dixon has welcomed the announcement and said the authority and its partners would ‘definitely make a bid’.
He said: “This is a great opportunity for national parks to show how cycling can benefit the economy, the environment and communities.
“It is really good that the Department for Transport has recognised the need to support cycling infrastructure in rural areas as well as cities.
“Projects like the Monsal Trail show that cycling infrastructure can be delivered in a sensitive way, improving the environment and visitor experience of the national park.
“We look forward to working with Derbyshire County Council and other local authorities to put together a great bid from the Peak District.”
The Authority is hosting a Peak District ‘Cycling Summit’ on Thursday, February 27 to bring organisations involved in cycling together and to discuss the first Peak District Cycling Festival, to be held in September.
To find out more about cycling opportunities in the Peak District, and in Ashbourne, visit www.pedalpeakdistrict.co.uk
