Cyclist thrashes driver in Aztec West rush hour challenge

Bradley Stoke to Aztec West car versus bike challenge

A bike versus car rush hour challenge, which saw a cyclist race a driver between the Willow Brook Centre and the Aztec West Business Park on Tuesday last week, was won in convincing style by the two-wheeled competitor.

Rider Craig Denning of Dream Cycling Club took on Jack fm driver Martin Hiscox over the 1.2 mile route, with the pair departing from outside the Giant cycle store at precisely 8am.

The stunt, carefully conceived to promote the Council’s improved cycle routes in the town, saw the accomplished racing cyclist cover the stretch in an astonishing 3 minutes and 48 seconds.

Car driver Martin, who had to first drive through the car park of the Willow Brook Centre (speed limit 10mph) in order to reach Bradley Stoke Way via Savages Wood Road, trailed in more than eleven minutes later in 15 minutes and 11 seconds.

On arrival at Aztec West, the competitors were met by the Chair of South Gloucestershire Council, Cllr Janet Biggin.

The Better By Bike website, which promotes cycling in the Bristol area, reports that Craig took South Gloucestershire’s newly-created Cycling City Route 4 but The Journal can reveal that he actually rode straight up Bradley Stoke Way to the Aztec West roundabout, by-passing much of the Cycling City route, which would have taken him along Patchway Common and Hempton Lane.

Craig’s opinion of his version of Cycling City Route 4 was:

“It’s a nice wide path, parallel to the road, getting me safely around the roundabout with pedestrian crossings. I’m very impressed with it.”

Councillor Brian Allinson, executive member for planning, transportation and strategic environment at South Gloucestershire Council, said:

“Cycling to work is a great way to start your day and can be just as fast as driving which this challenge has shown. The council’s investment in the Cycling City project has improved cycle routes and cycling facilities in South Gloucestershire and by using off-road routes, which are often more direct than the roads, cycling to work can be easier and quicker than driving.”

Cllr Janet Biggin, who had arrived at Aztec West by car, said:

“As well as being healthy and fun, cycling can be faster than driving for some commuters. Why not get on your bike and try out some of South Gloucestershire’s new cycle routes?”

More photos from the challenge: album; slideshow (PicasaWeb)

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