New biking trails to help keep people active
A new project will see a Staffordshire forest become a haven for mountain bikers and help more people stay active.
The project, being developed by Forestry England, will see the construction of a high quality off-road mountain bike trail in Cannock Chase Forest.
A family bike play facility and a new regional centre of excellence for safe, off-road cycling are also part of the plans.
The new trails will also be used as a venue for the mountain bike races during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and Staffordshire County Council has provided £50,000 towards the costs of the project.
Victoria Wilson, cabinet member for communities and culture, said: "There’s huge passion for cycling here in Staffordshire already and we’re pleased to be able to support and help fund the new trails.
"Not only will this give us a fantastic facility for visitors and families to use for years to come but it will also help encourage more people to stay active.
"It also means that people will be able to come and enjoy the dedicated trails whilst protecting the rest of the Chase’s precious landscape.
"Having Cannock Chase Forest chosen as one of the venues for the mountain biking trials for the 2022 Commonwealth Games is also wonderful news.
"Cannock Chase is one of the jewels in our tourism crown, and with some of the best mountain bike trails in the region, this is a great opportunity to show off our amazing county to the world."
Keith Powell, cyclist and Bikability instructor, said: "So many people seem to lead such busy lives these days and there are so many potential distractions within cars and situations can change so quickly.
"We need to be sure we know what is going-on around us.
"Each and every one of us has an obligation to make sure we are riding and driving in ways that ensure the safety of not just ourselves, but of everyone else."
