Devon County Council

devon.gov.uk

From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, September 01, 2008

BUSINESSES in Exeter are being challenged to get staff on their bikes in support of Devon Car Free Day.

Devon County Council's Cycle Exeter staff have launched a competition to see how many firms can encourage their employees to cycle to work on Monday 22 September, and prizes are on offer to the most successful companies.

Devon Car Free Day, organised by Devon County Council TravelWise, aims to get commuters across the county to try an alternative way of travelling to work, rather than making the journey by car.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council Executive Member for Environment, said: "This appeal to businesses in Exeter is a fine example of the County Council's efforts to gain support for Devon Car Free Day. It is another way for people to try an alternative to their car and hopefully companies will respond positively to the challenge. The work of the Cycle Exeter team has improved and increased the number of cycle lanes and cycle parking around the city, and more people are choosing to cycle in Exeter. Although the challenge is just for one day, it could help make Devon even greener in the long term if it prompts some people to start cycling regularly, either for their commute or for leisure."

There are four different categories for the highest percentage of staff cycling to work (entries will be split according to the size of the organisation), highest percentage of new cyclists, highest collective mileage and the individual award, which is after nominations of staff members who have shown dedication to cycling, just learnt to ride, cycle regularly to meetings, encourage others to cycle or cycle to school before work. The winning company for each category will win £50 of vouchers and every business that takes part will be entered into the Devon Car Free Day prize draw to win £1,000 to improve travel at its workplace.

Companies interested in taking part need to download the application form from the Cycle Exeter website www.devon.gov.uk/cycleexeter

and email travelwise@devon.gov.uk to register their entry to the Free Prize Draw.

For more information on Devon Car Free Day, visit www.devon.gov.uk/devoncarfreeday

Notes to Editors:

Councillor Margaret Rogers, 01297 680384.

• Leader of the Council - Cllr Brian Greenslade
• Chief Executive -- Phil Norrey

• Budget £800 million
• Key investments include:
• Schools £349 million
• Adult and Community Services £164 million
• Environment, Economy and Culture £106 million
• Children and Young People £101 million

• Other important County Council support includes:
• Building programme: £185 million for new schools, roads, care services, libraries and recycling centres

• Political make-up:
• County Council seats: 62
• 33 Liberal Democrat
• 23 Conservative
• 4 Labour
• 2 Independent
• Next County Council elections: May 7, 2009

• Key stats:
• Population: 741,000
• Schools: 365
• Pupils: 96,200
• Children looked after: 584
• Adults helped to live at home: 17,622
• Residential and nursing care: 4,212 adults
• Libraries and Mobile Libraries: 61
• Roads: 12,831 kms (7,973 miles)
• Bridges: 3,500
• Public Rights of Way: 4,960 kms (3,200 miles)
• Streetlights: 71,000
• Illuminated road signs: 10,917
• Recycling Centres: 20
• Recycling rate: 49.21%

Figures may be subject to change

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