Coast to coast cycle route opens for business
A local celebrity was in town last weekend to help launch a brand new coast to coast cycle route from Morecambe to Bridlington.
The Way of the Roses, part of the National Cycling Network, has been developed by Sustrans and partners including Lancaster City Council, and passes through the historic cities of Lancaster and York.
The route was officially opened on Saturday September 11 by Morecambe-born fashion designer and Sustrans patron Wayne Hemingway, along with the Mayor of Lancaster, Sustrans National Cycle Network Development Manager Martyn Brunt, and the leader of Lancaster City Council, Councillor Stuart Langhorn.
The route was launched to mark the 15th anniversary of the National Cycle Network which now extends over 12,600 miles across the UK and is the latest section to be added to network.
After the unveiling of the sign marking the official start of the route, over fifty cyclists of all ages joined in a ride from Morecambe to Settle – the first leg of the route.
Many of the riders were dressed in red and white in keeping with the roses theme.
Councillor Jon Barry, cabinet member with responsibility for the district’s Cycling Demonstration Town Project said: “It was wonderful to see so many people turn out to take part in the launch ride.
"The Way of the Roses is a great asset for Morecambe, and will enhance our district’s network of cycle paths, encouraging more local people to get on their bikes as well as bringing in cycling enthusiasts from elsewhere to ride this new coast to coast route”.
For more information about the route visit www.celebratingcycling.org/roses
Date Published: 17/09/10