Wirral Olympian Chris Boardman helps city launch cycle scheme (From Wirral Globe)

Wirral Olympian Chris Boardman helps city launch cycle scheme

12:15pm Monday 11th March 2013 in News

Wirral's Olympic hero Chris Boardman is in Liverpool on a fact-finding mission as he helps the city gear up for the launch of its cycle hire scheme.

The cycling legend from Hoylake is in the city on Wednesday to learn more about how it is becoming ‘cycle-ready’, ahead of the launch of the scheme later this year - the biggest of its kind in the UK, outside London.

Chris won an individual pursuit gold medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics and broke the world hour-record three times. He carried the Olympic torch through Birkenhead Park during its relay to London last year

Chris, a "Champion" for the Liverpool cycle scheme, said: “Liverpool’s vision to set up the biggest cycle hire scheme in the country, outside London, is an ambitious one, so it’s important that the infrastructure is in place and cyclists can feel safe in the city.

“The plans to introduce 20mph speed limits on an additional 300 miles of roads, as well as investment in new cycle lanes, free guided bike rides and after school cycle clubs mean there’s never been a better time to get on your bike.

“I’m looking forward to meeting with a range of people to share my excitement about the cycle hire scheme and get them involved. Ultimately, the challenge is to encourage as many people as possible to get on their bikes, so we can make Liverpool’s scheme a massive success.”

It is expected the cycle scheme will be launched with 300 bikes in the city centre in the summer and then expanded over the next 18 months to a total of 1,000 bikes.