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24
Jun
Harrogate’s cycling mayor keeps cool in the heatwave
In not-so-bygone days, Harrogate’s mayor attended civic functions in a chauffeur-driven Jaguar.
But current mayor, Councillor Viv Poskitt, prefers a humbler mode of transport.
She is often seen cycling around town to engagements on a bike from Halfords that she describes as “cheap and cheerful”.
It even has customised handlebars with a horn and a fan, that is more for fun than functionality, but cycling around town in summer keeps her cool and avoids the risk of traffic delays and turning up for functions hot and bothered.
“I absolutely love cycling,” says Cllr Poskitt. “It’s the easiest thing to do and you can get anywhere quickly on a bike. You don’t get stuck at traffic lights or roadworks.”
Even when she’s not fulfilling formal duties, Cllr Poskitt, who works as a doctor, is often in the saddle.
The customised handlebars
Speaking yesterday (June 23), after turning up on her bike to open Harrogate’s new Visitor Information Centre, she said:
“I cycle to work, I do my house calls on a bike and I go shopping on a bike. I also do spin instructing so I cycle indoors as well, which might be hot tonight.”
She even did a 50-mile charity ride from Manchester to Leeds this month to raise awareness of cancers in women.
Cycling often gets a bad rap from people who say it’s too dangerous. What’s her view?
I get it. There are aspects of some of the cycling lanes in Harrogate that I don’t think are fit-for-purpose. But I feel safe. I’ve had hardly any near misses, and it gives me joy.
I live about a mile from the town centre. Many Harrogate journeys are within a mile radius yet most people jump in a car. I would encourage more people to walk or cycle.
Harrogate's mayor, Dr Viv Poskitt.
Does she wear the mayor’s chain while riding? “Only on short journeys,” she jokes.
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