Bespoke advice from cycling safety advocates - Lincolnshire County ...

NEWS RELEASE
Bespoke advice from cycling safety
advocates
An additional eight bicycles have been purchased by Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue
for use by Fire Safety Advocates and firefighters in the north of Lincoln and in
Skegness. This follows the success of the team working in the south of Lincoln in
reducing the potential for deliberate fires.
The bikes enable the fire safety teams to reach people in communities who otherwise may
not have the opportunity to talk to Fire and Rescue staff. They also allow the fire safety
advocates to move around areas such as parks and derelict sites, where access to vehicles
is restricted.
Community Fire Safety Co-ordinator, Garry Speed, said:
“So far we have had a great deal of success with the cycle project. The bikes have allowed
the advocates access to sites to identify hazards such as fly-tipped waste and unsecured,
unoccupied premises which are then reported to the relevant authorities and are cleared
before deliberate fire-setting can take place. The team who have been working in the
South Lincoln area have also been able to promote fire safety and build community links.”
Each bike team consists of a Fire Safety Advocate and an operational firefighter who would
normally respond to incidents in that area. The teams are not there to police the area but to
engage with the public and promote a positive image of the brigade.
ENDS 15 April 2009
NOTES TO EDITORS
Photo opportunities are available on Thursday 16 April 2009 at 11am. Contact
Marianne Shaw, Media Officer, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue to arrange.
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All news releases from Lincolnshire County Council are faxed and e-mailed to relevant media organisations throughout the
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All news releases can be viewed on the County Council's website – www.lincolnshire.gov.uk

The bikes will be in use as soon as the teams have the necessary training and personal
protective gear.
The bikes have been purchased from Orange Mountain Bikes.
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CONTACT: Marianne Shaw, Media Officer, Lincolnshire County Council - Tel: 01522
553939 (email: marianne.shaw @lincolnshire.gov.uk)
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