00:00A new cycling initiative in Sunderland is aiming to get more people active, with free rides and bike maintenance sessions
00:06running across the summer months.
00:08The Weir Wheels programme is being delivered by Sunderland Community Action Group, and is open to residents across the city,
00:14including those who've never cycled before.
00:16It includes two-hour guided rides, starting from St Peter's Cycling Hub, taking in a range of local routes.
00:23Organisers say the aim is to build confidence on bikes and encourage healthier travel choices.
00:28The project has been funded through Active Travel England's Consolidated Active Travel Fund.
00:33It also supports a recycled bike scheme, giving refurbished bicycles to people who do not own one.
00:39Project manager Richie Duggan says the funding is helping widen access and strengthen community links.
00:44He says every ride and every recycled bike helps bring people together and supports active travel.
00:51But elsewhere in the north-east, part of a popular walking and cycling route has been closed after structural damage
00:57was discovered underneath it.
00:58A section of the Waskily Way near Consit, which forms part of the Coast-to-Coast Cycle route, has shut
01:04for emergency repairs.
01:06Durham County Council says an ancient culvert beneath the path collapsed, forcing the closure between Whitehall Car Park and Rowley
01:13Picnic Area.
01:14The route will remain closed for two weeks while engineers excavate the damaged structure.
01:19Further work is planned in June to install a replacement and fully secure the route.
01:24The council says the repairs are essential to protect both the path and nearby farmland.
01:29951-0336- Hill��cry in place.
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