Broads bosses back business by bike

The Norwich-based Broads Authority is encouraging its employees to leave their cars behind and go out on business in the city on a pool bike.

The Authority, which is responsible for managing the sustainable development of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads has bought a new Dawes Discovery to inspire employees to discover some of the Norwich's quieter routes to regular destinations.

The bike comes with helmet and safety gear and is based at the Authority's offices in Colegate, near the city centre. Staff book the bike via an electronic diary.

Conservation officer Andrea Kelly, chair of the Broads Authority's Green Team, which encourages sustainable working within the Authority led the bike initiative. She said: "One 20-minute cycle or a return trip to County Hall burns 230 kcalories - that's a bar of chocolate with soft caramel and whipped nougat filling."

Louise Reynolds, Broads boating holidays project manager, has been using the bike. She noted: "It's surprising how much quicker it is to travel by bike. You can travel direct rather than by roundabout routes and avoid congestion. It's much more pleasant in this summer weather, and not only are you keeping fit but you are doing your bit for the environment. Every time we use the car my six year old daughter has started saying 'we're making pollution' - if only more adults were as aware".

A second-hand bike has been bought for employees at the Broads Authority's Ludham field base for sustainable access to the village.

The Broads Authority is encouraging its employees to take part in national Bike 2 Work week from June 14th to June 22nd.