The final Community Rail Week celebration took place on Friday 27th May with Connecting East Lancashire and Community Rail Lancashire co-hosting the Brierfield Bike Ride, a guided ride from, and back to, Brierfield station.
This event saw riders take on the scenic ride through Brierfield and the surrounding areas, which also included part of the famous Stephen Burke Cycle Track in Barrowford.
L to R Andrew Stephenson, Pendle MP, Melanie Taylor Chair Joint CL & ELCRPs, CCllr Charlie Edwards and participants and supporters at the event
Joining the crowd was County Councillor Charles Edwards and Andrew Stephenson MP, who both gave speeches signaling the start of the ride.
County Councillor Charles Edwards, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “Brierfield is a great starting point to explore this part of Lancashire, and whether you’re planning to enjoy the scenery with a bike ride, or stretch your legs on one of the many walking routes in this area, the regular and convenient rail service is an ideal way to get here.
“Taking the train is a great way to reach some of the county’s hidden gems, and if you’re looking for inspiration for a day out this summer it’s well worth checking out the information and videos on the Community Rail Lancashire website which are sure to get you planning your next journey.”
Andrew Stephenson, MP for Pendle, said: “It has been fantastic to welcome Community Rail Week to Brierfield, and to see the Brierfield Bike Ride head off today into Pendle’s glorious countryside.
“Rail is a great way to get about, across East Lancashire and to visit Pendle so I hope as a result of Community Rail Week more people will ‘Give the Train a Try’.”
Richard Watts, Chair of Community Rail Lancashire & Secretary to the four Lancashire Community Rail Partnerships, said: “What a fantastic event to end a successful Community Rail Week in Lancashire. We have enjoyed visiting the many different stations and hosting fantastic events across the week.
“Thank you to everyone who has been involved in supporting and running these events and all who attended throughout the week.
Although Community Rail week is coming to a close there is so much happening across the stations throughout the year, so keep up to date via our website. Plus we are always looking for new volunteers, so why not, come and join us at one of our events, visit your local station friends group or share our stories.”
Martin Clarke, Support and Sustainability Manager, Community Rail Network, said: “This Community Rail Week, communities right across the country have been organising activities and events aiming to make the most out of their local railway.
“The theme “Give the Train a Try” highlights its importance as a sustainable travel option – especially combined with activities like walking, cycling and wheeling.
“The bike ride from Brierfield station captured this perfectly, with people coming together to enjoy the sights of East Lancashire. Thank you to all involved in organising this wonderful event.”
Community Rail Week, sponsored by Rail Delivery Group, ran from the 23rd to the 29th May and is encouraging people across the country to ‘Give the Train a Try’.