A new walking and cycling route through the University of Warwick that gives students, staff and local people the chance to make more of their everyday journeys without having to rely on a car was officially opened on Wednesday 11^th December by the University of Warwick and charity Sustrans.

The opening of the new campus cycle route was celebrated by reindeer riders raising money for The Lord Mayor’s Charity, The Heart of England Community Foundation, to support local communities in Coventry. The Cycle Coventry ride attracted 20 riders from the University of Warwick, Land Registry, ALS Environmental and WSP.

The scheme is being funded by a Links to Communities Fund grant from the Department of Transport to Sustrans, which is working in partnership with the University. It also builds on the success of the recently completed section of National Cycle Network 52, the Kenilworth Greenway, and will develop further with a new route planned by Coventry City Council as part of Cycle Coventry. This will see the route link the University to the city centre.

Sustrans’ Regional Director, Yvonne Gilligan said: “Walking and cycling for everyday journeys is great for our health, the environment and it’s fun too.

“This new link is going to make a real difference to how people make their everyday journeys into the University of Warwick from Coventry and Kenilworth.

“Walking and cycling are cheap and healthy travel options so its great news that people now have the choice about the way they get around.”

Bob Wilson, Director of Estates at the University of Warwick said: “This is a great example of partnership working and we are delighted to have supported and contributed to this new cycle path through the campus linking the Kenilworth Cycle route to the Cycle Coventry network, and which supports our objective to increase cycling and reduce traffic on and around the campus.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

Contact Sustrans’ Press Office on 0207 7807 231 or e-mail press at sustrans dot org dot uk

• Sustrans is the charity that’s enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we make every day. It’s time we all began making smarter travel choices. Make your move and support Sustrans today. www.sustrans.org.uk 
• Funding for the route has come from The University of Warwick and the Department of Transport.
• Cycle Coventry is a three year project which aims to improve facilities for cyclists and pedestrians by creating a network of cycle routes that will link residential areas with jobs, education and training. www.coventry.gov.uk/cyclecoventry