RMA - The Royal Marines Charity’s Post

June 10th – 16th 2024 is Cycling UK National Bike Week, the UK's largest cycling awareness event. At Colosseum Dental, we began our commitment to staying active in January with our Bike4Good initiative, aiming to collectively cycle, run, walk, or swim 1 million kilometres by the end of August 2024 with colleagues from 10 other countries. Additionally, 61 participants from various countries are set to tackle the Alpe d’Huez Challenge this summer, with a bespoke training plan to set them up for the tough event at the end of June. This National Bike Week, we’ll be speaking to some of those Ambassadors! Jason Rassell our L&D and Internal Comms Business Partner, said: “My role in Internal Comms is to be an all-round ambassador for the Bike4Good challenge: communicating how we’re doing, encouraging others to get involved and contributing my own kms to help us hit 1 million by August.” “There have been positive changes in the CDG community with this challenge - I think it has helped people from each different country of CDG have a shared purpose and vision.” “For the past 12 years I have helped to raise money for different charities. I always set myself a new or different challenge to fundraise for, so when this came up as an opportunity, I immediately wanted to do it even though I’m not a cyclist – and definitely not a hill cyclist!” “The biggest challenge so far has been getting used to cycling with cleats, especially getting in and out of them with traffic around me on the roads. Obviously, the hills are challenging too: I have practiced going up my local hill, but Alpe d’Huez is around 10 times longer and 5 times higher – so that will be fun!” His advice for anyone looking to get into cycling is: “Start small and build up: get little successes under your belt which will motivate you for the bigger challenges.” “It doesn’t matter how much you do - it’s about being part of it and making a difference. Every one of us can make a difference, so don’t let anything stop you!” #InTheSpotlight #WeCareMore #CDUK #Bike4Good #CDG #ColosseumDental

It is Road Safety Week this week, run by Brake, the road safety charity. With cycling having risen 11% compared to before the pandemic, it is more important than ever for drivers and cyclists to be on top of the rules of the road and to look to reduce the likelihood of collisions. Unfortunately, in research we undertook this year, 1 in 4 drivers either didn't know or were wrong about the Highway Code's hierarchy of road users, believing that they had right of way when turning across a cycle lane at a left turn. This puts cyclists in a dangerous position and highlights the importance of continued education and of initiatives like Road Safety Week! #roadsafetyweek #micromobility #cycling https://lnkd.in/e9gBZ8Wx

As the CEO of the Samuel McCoy III Scholarship Fund, I’m excited to host the 4th Annual Juneteenth Cycle Ride on June 15, 2024 with our partner Let’s Ride Campaign. This is my favorite event of the year. So, please Save the Date! The Juneteenth Ride has gained immense popularity and has emerged as a prominent event in Mercer County, attracting more than 400 cyclists last year. This ride serves as a platform for us to connect with cyclists from the tri-state region and inspire them to spread our message in their own communities, highlighting the numerous benefits of cycling and celebrating Juneteenth. Cycling offers a wide range of advantages that individuals can enjoy. First, it promotes weight loss when combined with a healthy diet. Moreover, cycling plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer. It increases heart rate and stimulates blood circulation, effectively burning calories and mitigating the chances of being overweight. In addition, cycling is a low-impact form of exercise, unlike activities like running or weightlifting, which pose a higher risk of injury. Furthermore, cycling has a positive impact on sleep patterns. Engaging in a reasonable distance of cycling can tire the body, making it easier to fall asleep and improve the quality of rest. Cycling also aids in muscle development, primarily in areas such as the glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves. Beyond physical benefits, cycling has a positive impact on mental health and stress reduction. By choosing cycling over other modes of transportation for short trips, individuals can reduce carbon emissions and contribute to a cleaner environment. Cycling also offers a social aspect, allowing individuals to connect with like-minded people. Lastly, cycling provides an enjoyable way to explore new places and embrace the outdoors. By participating in the 2024 Juneteenth Ride, cyclists not only get to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of cycling but also contribute to spreading awareness about the advantages while raising funds for our Samuel McCoy III scholarship recipients. #RealMcCoy Sponsorships are available!!

Good news for active travel in England from Active Travel England . Especially as allocations of Capability funding are for all Highways authorities (except London which is funded differently). Some much-needed trials are being funded/extended too in specific places - eg side street ‘zebras’, e-bike loans and National Parks. Will be good to see how these get on and hopefully expand in future years to include the rest of the country. As a big advocate of active travel here in our ‘no cities but lots of towns and villages’ county of North Northants, I’m used to seeing announcements for great active travel trials elsewhere and always wondering ‘when will we get that?’. The trial for National Parks is great to see although it won’t directly benefit us here yet as we have none. Instead we have our much-loved ‘country parks’ which also could really do with investment in access opportunities eg safe walk/cycle routes to get there (as well as public transport/DRT but that’s another story). Hopefully success with the National Parks trial will lead to similar investments in access to our and others’ parklands. Good for #physicalhealth and #carbonreduction but also of course for #mentalwellbeing. North Northamptonshire Council Northamptonshire Sport NNBN Team Modeshift Campaign for Better Transport BrightwayzUK Graeme Kane MA (Hons) MBA Matthew Binley TechIOSH SIIRSM

On Giving Tuesday, which falls on November 28th, we invite you to contribute to Vélo Canada Bikes and help us continue our mission of building a bicycle friendly Canada for all people. Donate here: https://lnkd.in/gBJDRdQv Your support enables us to: *Advocate for cycling infrastructure funding.* Vélo Canada Bikes is currently advocating for continued Federal funding for safe cycling infrastructure and your contribution will support our efforts so that more people in Canada can live in bicycle friendly communities. *Collect and disseminate cycling data.* There is a lack of cycling data in Canada and your help will allow Vélo Canada Bikes to continue to fill this gap via innovative initiatives such as our annual Pedal Poll/Sondo Vélo national bicycle count. *Amplify the essential work of local cycling advocates.* Your assistance will help Vélo Canada Bikes to host advocacy meetings and disseminate the latest tools, research, and best practices to support local cycling advocates and organisations all across Canada. Your generosity can make a significant impact on our ability to create positive change in this country. To make a donation, simply visit our donation page on Giving Tuesday (or any day prior). Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to building a more sustainable, equitable, healthy, and bicycle friendly future. [Photo: Modified from “Crossing the Bow River” by Dave King used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic license]

2024 – The Year of Cycling 🚴 As the cycle market grows, the European Parliament has called for next year to be the ‘Year of Cycling’ to double the distance covered by cyclists by 2030. In reflection of the increased demand in cycling and bikes - with UK electric bike sales growing by over 40% in 2020 - Flintshire-based specialist cycle and e-mobility insurer, Bikmo, has raised over £3 million in a Series A extension round. The B Corp certified specialist insurer protects over 75,000 riders in the UK, Ireland, Germany, and Austria. Currently, they’re focusing on expanding into other European markets and supporting multinational partners. Having grown significantly since launch through investment partners such as us, Bikmo are in the right gear for a brighter future, keeping cyclists safer on the roads. See what Sam Macalister-Smith, portfolio executive with us, has to say about the business: https://ow.ly/gzg350Q7NFR #DevBankHelped Bikmo . British Cycling . Flintshire County Council . Busnes Cymru / Business Wales . Business News Wales

Important steps in focusing on the place and making it easier to get there.

Get ready to hit the road - the Bike Month Challenge starts TOMORROW! 🥳 From seasoned pros to biking newbies who want to try commuting by bike, this challenge is for YOU! Here are all your challenge essentials: 🚲 Log your rides automatically with the Love to Ride app 📲 Provide feedback on how comfortable you felt on your ride using the brand-new Rate My Routes feature 🏅 Earn points by riding your bike and encouraging others 🎁 More points = more chances to win cash prizes! 🏆 Workplaces and schools can take part in a bit of fun competition. National winners will win a bike donated to World Bicycle Relief 📱 By using the Love to Ride app and the brand-new Rate My Routes feature (already LIVE now!), riders will be able to provide feedback on their journeys and contribute anonymous data that planners can use to build better, safer infrastructure. Check out https://lnkd.in/ehHZbW78 for more info about the Bike Month Challenge and how YOU can make a difference this May! - - - - League of American Bicyclists #BikeMonth #LovetoRide #BikeMonthChallenge #DriveLessRideMore #Bikes #Challenges #Prizes #Cycling #Sustainability #SustainableTransportation #ActiveTravel #Challenges #Infrastructure #MakeADifference #Safety

Title: Uniting for a Cause: Transforming the Munga Grit MTB North-West into a Charity Event (2024) for Local Businesses In the heart of the North-West, a monumental challenge is set to unfold in 2024 - the Munga Grit MTB North-West Endurance Mountain Bike Single Stage Event. Renowned for testing the limits of even the most seasoned riders, this grueling race is poised to take on a new dimension—one that transcends personal achievement. Thallon Hogg, the spirited 31-year-old cyclist, extends a special invitation to local businesses, urging them to join forces in turning this event into a charity initiative that aims to make a tangible impact in and around Pretoria, Centurion, and neighboring communities. The concept is elegantly simple yet immensely powerful: harness the energy and enthusiasm of Munga Grit participants to contribute to a cause that resonates with the community. Thallon envisions a collaborative effort where businesses engage in discussions to explore opportunities for transforming this endurance event into not just a physical challenge but a force for good. Picture the positive ripple effect—a collective commitment to supporting a local charity. Whether through providing resources, sponsorship, or organizing fundraising activities, local businesses have the chance to make a significant difference. Thallon encourages open discussions to identify a cause that deeply resonates with the community, transforming the Munga Grit MTB North-West into an event that not only tests physical endurance but also showcases the endurance of compassion and community spirit. Potential beneficiaries could include individuals or organizations in need within the Pretoria, Centurion, or neighboring areas. By rallying together, businesses can contribute to the well-being of those close to home, fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility. Thallon Hogg's vision extends beyond conquering challenging mountain bike trails; it encompasses conquering challenges faced by the community. It's a call to local businesses to step into the arena, not only as sponsors but as champions of social responsibility. For businesses looking to be part of this transformative endeavor in 2024, the opportunity is here. Let's come together, discuss ideas, and explore how the Munga Grit MTB North-West can become a catalyst for positive change in the lives of those who need it most. In unity, strength is found, and in collaboration, communities are uplifted. Let's turn every pedal stroke into a step towards making a difference in the heart of North-West. For additional information about the Munga Grit MTB North-West 2024 event, please visit: [Event Website] (https://lnkd.in/dJ5GB-hZ)

Greater Cambridge is still the UK's leading city region for walking and cycling according to the latest #WalkingAndCyclingIndex. A new report published by charity Sustrans in partnership with Greater Cambridge Partnership delves into the active travel habits of residents and explores the benefits along with the measures needed to encourage more people to walk or cycle. In total over 155million walking, cycling and wheeling trips were made in the past year while 56% of people walk five days a week or more, and 45% of residents ride a bike at least once a week. Other findings include that 28% of residents want to drive less, yet 44% of residents often use a car because no other transport options are available. Read The Greater Cambridge Walking and Cycling Index for 2023 here - https://ow.ly/jFg550QWEyk #ActiveTravel #Cycling #Walking #GreaterCambridge