Record breaking cyclists at Culham Science Centre
On the day that Oxfordshire hosts the OVO Energy Women’s Tour professional cycle race, 200 cyclists representing 22 companies based at Culham Science Centre have braved the British weather to rack-up 2,500 miles for Bike to Work Day (Wednesday 12 June 2019) an annual event organised by the centre to encourage sustainable travel in support of national Bike Week 2019.
In the event’s nine-year history, 2019 sees more participants (up 25% on last year) thanks to an increase in cycling culture and outstanding facilities to make cycling to work as easy as possible.
Mark Crick, 42, from Bishopstone, Wiltshire, a Building Services Engineer at UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) located at Culham Science Centre, said:
“It’s fantastic to see so many more cyclists at Culham today and I hope this event will inspire them to swap four wheels for two more often. I cycle to work most days, even in the rain, as I have a passion for cycling. The 25-mile journey takes about 1hr 35 minutes before a quick shower and breakfast. The perfect start to my day!”
Irina Luca and Simon Chung (pictured) of LAPD Architects based at Culham Science Centre, cycled from Oxford. Simon Chung, 35, from Marston said:
"I'm taking part in Culham's Bike To Work Day to help raise awareness of environmental issues. Cycling is very doable and today we are making a point that we should all work together as a community to help reduce emissions."
A recent travel survey of 2,200 employees from Culham Science Centre showed the number of people cycling to work on a regular basis has increased to 12% with more respondents keen to take to their bikes if cycle paths and cycle routes are improved.
Dr.Caroline Livingstone, Head of Property, UKAEA / Culham Science Centre, said: “We are keen to encourage more people to cycle to work and are doing everything we can to make the site even more accessible to cyclists, from adding more shower facilities through to ensuring a Dr Bike Service is available to help with any bike repairs.
She concluded: “It was a fantastic turnout for our Bike To Work event and I’m pleased the Culham community share a growing passion to cycle to work more often.”
Culham Science Centre’s cycling facilities include: 22 bike racks/shelters across site, a bike repair station, Dr Bike Service available 10 months of the year and 35 showers with more to be added later this year.
