Connecting East Lancashire

The Chamber Low Carbon programme is happy to support Connecting East Lancashire as a fantastic initiative helping people engage in active commuting.  Not only is cycling or walking to work great for health and well-being but it is also an effective low carbon option both reducing emissions and improving air quality.

Connecting East Lancashire is a Department for Transport funded project delivered in partnership between Lancashire County Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council. Through a variety of initiatives, the project supports businesses, organisations and colleges in East Lancashire (Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle, Ribble Valley, Rossendale and Blackburn with Darwen) to increase health and well-being through smarter travel choices as well as opening up access to work opportunities for apprentices and job seekers.

Businesses will have the opportunity to engage in:

• Cycling Training Session – Providing the opportunity for employees/students to improve their skills and cycling confidence.

• Cycling Maintenance Sessions – Providing the opportunity for employees/students to improve their skills and become more competent at basic cycle maintenance.

• Roadshow Events – Interactive roadshow events promoting cycling and walking initiatives, facilities and service information.

• Personal Travel Planning advice and transport assistance – Provision of quick and simple advice on the most efficient modes of transport and routes. Providing information on all available transport modes, costs, health benefits and registered car users in the area. Through partner organisations financial support maybe available for those starting out in employment or training.

• Bike Hire Scheme – Providing the opportunity to participate in the Bike Hire scheme on a monthly basis including the hire of electric bikes.

• Annual Cycling and Walking Challenges – To increase participation and raise the awareness of the benefits of cycling and walking opportunities.

• Annual inter-business challenges – Providing an opportunity for cycling and walking events to be inter-business/organisation challenges with other partners.

• Workplace Walks Programme – Promotion and coordination of a series of walks, for example lunchtime walks and raising awareness of the health benefits of walking.

• Walk Leader Training – Employees can partake in walk leader training to deliver bespoke led walks programmes.

To find local cycle routes please visit www.visitlancashire.com/things-to-do/hyndburn-cycling-map-p747390

If you are interested in any of the activities above, or would like to meet a member of the team, please email accessfund@lancashire.gov.uk or visit the website www.connectingeastlancashire.org.uk.

The Project Officers cover different areas of East Lancashire and these are detailed below along with their relevant contact number:

• Blackburn with Darwen: Melanie Taylor – 01254 585687
• Burnley: Obie Enninful – 01772 359087
• Hyndburn and Rossendale: Mandy Jenkinson – 01772 533946
• Pendle and Ribble Valley:  Caroline Holden – 01772 537906

‘Pedal Power – Year of Green Action’

We’re host a joint event on 12th June at the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce offices.  Drop-in anytime between 7:30am and 10am and take part in these activities:

• • • Doctor Bike – bring your own bike for a health check and basic repairs done free of charge
    • Smoothie Maker – pedal your own delicious fruit smoothie
    • Love to Ride – businesses and individuals can sign up for Love to Ride to be in with a chance to win some fabulous prizes such as holidays
    • Information – lots of information about what Connecting East Lancashire can offer local businesses with regards to sustainable travel
    • Merchandise – plenty of ‘freebies’ to encourage staff who work on the business park to cycle, walk or car share to work