Today’s episode of new show, Steel Fingers, Steel Wheels, covered cycling in Sheffield – for transport and for fun. Listen to and/or download the podcast of the show here.

Cycling has doubled in Sheffield since 2001 – and this rise has been accompanied by a reduction in the likelihood of an individual cyclist having a road collision. It offers significant wellbeing benefits to individuals, saves money, and benefits employers if staff cycle to work.

There’s now alot of support available to individuals and to businesses, and today’s show included interviews with:

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  Bob, Mark, Colin, Paul, Pete and Melissa from Symmetry Medical with David Bocking

  six workers from Hillsborough-based Symmetry Medical who are enjoying many benefits of cycling to work thanks to the company’s involvement with Sheffield CycleBoost.

• David Bocking of CycleBoost talking about the scheme, a three-part support service for residents and employees in Sheffield. Services include bike-loan programmes, bike doctor sessions, maintenance classes and cycle skills training.
• Pauline, Jan, Betty-Ann, and Shirley, all enjoying cycling throughout Sheffield, the Peak District and further afield thanks to attending courses run by Pedal Ready.
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  John Horscroft with Betty-Ann, Jan, Pauline and Shirley in the Sheffield Live studio

  Nick Brelsford of Pedal Ready on cycling training.

• John Horscroft of Ride Sheffield, an advocacy group which helps mountain bikers and other organisations such as the wildlife trusts work together for the benefit of all. John joined presenter Jamie Veitch in the studio for the programme and discussed positive working relationships between mountain bikers and other organisations, new trails at Greno and elsewhere, and the value of cycling and outdoor pursuits to the Sheffield economy.
• Bicycle mechanic Russell of Russell’s Bicycle Shed, offering a bike repair service at the station and at Parkwood Springs, on common repairs he undertakes – and about maintenance classes offered by Recycle Bikes.
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  Russell doing some bicycle maintenance in the station

  Plus two competitions: listeners can win a bike, courtesy of show sponsor the Edinburgh bicycle Cooperative, or a family climbing day and month pass courtesy of sponsor Awesome Walls Sheffield.

• Listen to and/or download the podcast of the show here.