A NORTH East Lincolnshire Councillor has caused a stir by whizzing around the area on an environmentally friendly bicycle – now he is urging more members of the public to follow suit.
It all started when he developed epilepsy in 1988, and was told he would have to give up driving and find an alternative method of transport.
He said: “Following a diagnosis of epilepsy; you have to be seizure free for one year before you are able to apply for a driving licence back.
“It has now been well over 18 months since I had my last seizure but no letter has gone off to the DVLA and why should it?
“There is no need when I have two wheels, and cycling is much more convenient than people think, not forgetting that Grimsby is only a small town and you can get from A to B within minutes on a bicycle.”
He said: “From that moment onwards I knew my life was going to change as all of a sudden I was being noticed.
“People were shouting out about my “cool” bike, and of course there were points and laughs too.
“It’s a great marketing ploy as everyone knows it’s Coun Beasant coming around the corner, and of course I can really whiz around the ward.
“I think we need to get local people back walking, cycling and using public transport and our borough will be a much safer place for children, young people, the elderly and other vulnerable groups – we need to reduce road accidents.
“It must be remembered that cycling is good for your health and wellbeing and you save money in the long run. It is also enjoyable.”
Photograph reproduced with permission of Grimsby Evening Telegraph
Councillor Steve Beasant (Liberal Democrat, East Marsh) has been inundated with people commenting on his flashy new bike – which he uses to get from one important meeting to the other.
He believes that if more people follow his example by getting out their bicycle instead of their car, North East Lincolnshire would be a much safer and cleaner place.
It all started when he developed epilepsy in 1988, and was told he would have to give up driving and find an alternative method of transport.
He said: “Following a diagnosis of epilepsy; you have to be seizure free for one year before you are able to apply for a driving licence back.
“It has now been well over 18 months since I had my last seizure but no letter has gone off to the DVLA and why should it?
“There is no need when I have two wheels, and cycling is much more convenient than people think, not forgetting that Grimsby is only a small town and you can get from A to B within minutes on a bicycle.”
When his old bike started to look a bit outdated, Coun Beasant went for a newer model, purchasing a Dahon Curve foldaway bike from JC Cooks, in Pasture Street, for £300.
He said: “From that moment onwards I knew my life was going to change as all of a sudden I was being noticed.
“People were shouting out about my “cool” bike, and of course there were points and laughs too.
“It’s a great marketing ploy as everyone knows it’s Coun Beasant coming around the corner, and of course I can really whiz around the ward.
“I think we need to get local people back walking, cycling and using public transport and our borough will be a much safer place for children, young people, the elderly and other vulnerable groups – we need to reduce road accidents.
“It must be remembered that cycling is good for your health and wellbeing and you save money in the long run. It is also enjoyable.”
Photograph reproduced with permission of Grimsby Evening Telegraph
No comments:
Post a Comment