WARRINGTON North MP Charlotte Nichols is encouraging people to get on their bikes following a recent visit to local family business Ron Spencer Cycles, on Crossley Street.
Founded by National Champion and International cyclist, Ron Spencer and wife Margaret in 1978, Ron Spencer Cycles grew a reputation for being one of the leading bike stores in the North West. Today Ron Spencer Cycles is championed by son Paul and daughter Suzy.
Originally on Orford Lane, the shop’s new location on Crossley Street was opened in 2019 by six-time Olympic champion Jason Kenny.
During the visit, Charlotte met Suzy Spencer. Along with taking a tour of the shop’s impressive collection of bikes and hearing about their work, Charlotte also spoke to Suzy about support for the high street, issues faced by independent bike shops and the promotion of walking and cycling in the community.
During the Coronavirus pandemic a growing number of people have been taking to their bikes. Since the lockdown started, Warrington has seen a 75% increase in cycling compared to this time last year.
Charlotte said: “As we navigate our way through the Coronavirus crisis, it is more important than ever to support our local independent shops.
“It was great to visit Ron Spencer Cycles and to meet Suzy to hear more about the work and history of the shop and the great work they are doing locally to promote cycling.
“We are lucky in Warrington that we have a great provision for leisure cycling, and many people have taken it up as a hobby during lockdown which is really encouraging to see.
“However, some of the infrastructure for cycle commuting is poor and as things start to return to normal what we really don’t want to see return to normal is Warrington’s awful traffic problems.
“The more we can make it easier for people to cycle, the better it will be for all of us.
“Cycling has so many benefits – for physical and mental health and for our environment. If you haven’t yet taken up cycling, I would highly recommend it.”
