A PARWICH.ORG reader mentioned that it was good to see so many village children out on their bikes.
However they expressed concern that both motorists and cyclists need to look out for each other especially at the blind bends and junctions in the village. Please take care.
Do let us know if there is any interest in the Police running a cycle safety session in the village.
Co-incidently a press release came from the Peak Park today on some free cycling events, the first being on Bike Maintenance at the Ashbourne Cycle Hire Centre this Saturday.
PR 671 – 10 May 2010
Pedal Peak District offers free cycling events
Four free cycling events are being run in May to encourage people to Saddle Up For Summer in the Peak District National Park.
The events are being organised by the Peak District National Park Authority through its Pedal Peak District project, which aims to encourage more new or occasional cyclists.
Once residents or visitors have experienced cycling in the national park for themselves they will be supported to make riding a bike a regular part of their lives by signing up to a website – at http://www.pedalpeakdistrict.co.uk – that:
• Gives them cycling tips.
• Provides information and maps of cycling routes.
• Encourages them to set small, manageable cycling goals and win prizes for completing them.
• Shows them the amount of calories they have burned on their bike rides and the other health benefits it can bring.
To help support new cyclists Pedal Peak District has teamed up with Visit Peak District and Derbyshire, the official tourist board, to run a campaign in May and June called Saddle Up For Summer.
John Fern, head of communications for the Peak District National Park Authority, said: “The four events will give new or returning cyclists the confidence they need to go for that first ride or ensure their bike is safe and ready to use.
“All the sessions are run by qualified staff and will take place on and around some of the 58 miles of off-road cycling trails that we have in the national park countryside.”
The first four Saddle Up For Summer events are:
Saturday 15 May 10am – 12.30pm: Basic bike maintenance
Location: Ashbourne Cycle Hire Centre
Does the thought of getting a puncture put you off cycling..?
Do you know how to adjust your brakes..?
Why not book yourself onto one of our FREE basic bike maintenance courses with Terry Garside, experienced cycle mechanic with from the Peak District National Park Authority cycle hire team. This introductory course covers lubrication, brake pads, gears and punctures.
Call 01629 816297 to book or e-mail pedal@peakdistrict.gov.uk
Max. 6 spaces available
Wednesday 19 May – 10am – 2pm: Guided Mountain Bike Ride for Beginners
Location: Meet at Fairholmes ranger centre, Upper Derwent Valley, near Bamford.
A guided, 11-mile, easy off-road ride with national park rangers around the beautiful reservoirs of Howden and Derwent. The session includes an introduction to bike handling, bike maintenance and navigation.
Bikes can be hired (charge applies) or bring your own. Children under 13 must be accompanied and all riders must wear helmets.
Max 20 spaces available. Booking essential. Telephone 01433 651908.
Monday 24 May 11am – 1pm: Women on Wheels
Location: Parsley Hay cycle hire centre
An easy 10 – 15 mile sociable ride from Parsley Hay through stunning scenery for new or returning women cyclists. The rides will be undulating using traffic free trails or quiet roads and aim to build confidence and fitness. Please bring money for a coffee stop on route.
Max. 15 spaces available. Booking essential by ringing Carol Parsons on 01629 816297 or emailing pedal@peakdistrict.gov.uk Bikes are available to loan for these rides please contact us as above at least a few days in advance of the ride.
Wednesday 26 May 10am – 2pm: Learning through landscapes
Location: Parsley Hay cycle hire centre
A leisurely 15 – 20 mile ride from Parsley Hay through stunning scenery of the White Peak and South West Peak. Learn about these distinctive landscape characters from the Peak District National Park Authority’s Landscape Architect Garrie Tiedeman. There will be a stop in Hartington where refreshments can be purchased. Please note there are steep sections on minor roads.
Booking essential on 01629 816297 or e-mail pedal@peakdistrict.gov.uk Max 15 spaces available. Bikes are available to loan for this ride please contact us as above at least a few days in advance of the ride.
All events are free and directions to the venues can be seen at http://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/cycle or is available by ringing the centres. Further events are planned in June.
Further details of the Saddle Up For Summer campaign can be found at http://www.visitpeakdistrict.com
Pedal Peak District is run by the Peak District National Park Authority and funded by the Department of Transport through Cycling England.
PARWICH.ORG 
It was mentioned at the school at one meeting and nothing has ever been set up they were going to get in touch with the parish council. It would be a very good idea for the school children to do this as there is alot of children on their bikes at the moment.
I’m more than happy to see the youngsters of Parwich out and about on their bikes ( much better than staring at an xbox ). But unfortunately i fear for their safety. On many occasions i have witnessed these children whizzing in and out of the pub car park and on and off pavements without a slightest glance for traffic. Most of us in Parwich drive with care when coming through the village but as we all know ‘non local motorists’ passing through don’t always have the same consideration.
School will be offering ‘Cycle Safety’ to our older children towards the end of June beginning of July. Unfortunately, we have not been able to offer this before due to changes in staff both in and out of school.
It is agreat idea to try and get a safety course set up, there must be at least a dozen kids around that would benefit from it.