Bike week 11-19 June

Shakespokes, the Stratford-upon-Avon Cycling group, are organising a number of events to celebrate BIKE WEEK 2005 which runs from 11 to 19 June. During this time there are choices for returning or would-be cyclists to join Shakespokes on rides in and around the town.

The annual Stratford evening ride, which starts from the American Fountain in Rother Street at 7 pm on Friday 17 June, is being used to launch a new facility which has been provided for cyclists and pedestrians along the old railway line from Paddock Lane to Luddington Road. Stratford-on-Avon District Council chairman, Cllr Tony Dixon, will formally open the new cycle way at its junction with Aintree Road at 7.30 pm on Friday.

This land, which is owned by the District Council, has been in public use as a leisure area for many years. Recently an all-weather surface has been laid as a partnership scheme between the District Council and Warwickshire County Council.

Using funds made available by the developer of the Kings Acre residential area, near to the race course, the existing path has been widened to provide for increased shared use and an all-weather hard surface of natural gravel has been laid. The route which is an alternative to the busy Evesham Road uses an existing network of shared use ways to connect to the town centre and the Greenway.