Tourism Launches New Look Cycling Guide

The Guernsey Tourist Board has launched an updated edition of its cycling guide to the island.

Entitled ‘Guernsey Cycle Tours’, the booklet sets out 11 circular routes classified as either ‘gentle and rolling’, or ‘up hill and down dale’. Deputy Geoff Norman, President of the Tourist Board, said that the booklet will have wide appeal: “Of course the cycling guide is primarily aimed at visitors, but it is also likely to be of interest to locals. The gentler routes are ideal for all ages and take in some lovely Ruettes Tranquilles. The fact that the routes are mostly circular makes them particularly manageable for families”.

Deputy Norman said that the Board is in the process of raising the profile of cycling: “Cycling has been identified as an attractive activity, particularly with European visitors. We currently distribute over 1700 copies of the cycling guide per year, in four languages, but aim to encourage even more visitors to explore the island by bike. We are most grateful to the guide’s sponsors, Generali International Limited, as well as to Mr David Richards, for all his hard work in researching and compiling the original guide”.

He added that the guide is only as good as the quality of cycling on offer and that enhancement of local facilities has been a team effort: “We are also grateful for all the help we have received in promoting cycling, especially from the Guernsey Bicycle Group, who carried out a route sign audit, as well as the Traffic Committee, for then renewing the route signs”.

The guide is illustrated with full colour maps, which now feature Ruettes Tranquilles, as well as new branding and photography plus tips on what to look out for along each route. The English language version of the 34 page booklet is sponsored by Generali International Limited, whose Chief Executive, Mr Gavin Tradelius, commented: “Cycling is one of the best ways to appreciate Guernsey’s world class rural and coastal environments. We are very pleased to be able to support this new edition of the Guernsey Cycle Tours booklet, which is a passport to some of Guernsey’s most beautiful corners. I hope that it enhances the enjoyment of the island for locals and visitors alike”.

The routes range from seven to 11 miles in length and include stretches of the west coast cycle paths as well as inland lanes. Deputy Pat Mellor, President of the States Traffic Committee said that cycling is an important element of the island’s future transport strategy: “We welcome any initiative that improves facilities for non car users and this booklet is a great incentive to get the bike out of the garage and explore some delightful countryside. But the updated guide also proves that the bicycle offers a practical way to travel, particularly in the quiet rural areas. Transport is all about making responsible choices each time we undertake a journey. The motor car, public transport, cycling and walking all have their place and this publication reminds us how useful and enjoyable a bike can be”.

‘Guernsey Cycle Tours’ is available from the Tourist Information Centre on the North Esplanade, price £2.

For more information contact Louise Cain, Tel. 726611

Notes for Editors:

1.From the Tourist Board’s 2000 survey:

• Cycling is likely to be undertaken by visitors aged under 35 years (21%), overseas (22%) and those with children in the party (15%).

2. The updated guide is being produced in English, French and German language versions.

3. Tracing its roots back to 1977, Generali International is part of the Generali Group. Based in Guernsey, a premier offshore location, Generali International is a Registered Insurer under the Insurance Business (Guernsey) Law 1986. It is an authorised insurer in Hong Kong and operates in the Far East, Latin America, the Middle East and Europe.

The company is now a leading offshore provider and offers a wide range of personal financial products for the international investor including savings, retirement and investment plans. Products and services are offered through an international network of International Financial Advisers.

The Generali Group
Since its foundation in 1831, the Generali Group has played a major role in the insurance business worldwide. The Generali Group is represented throughout the European Union and is present in most markets including North, Central and South America, South Africa, the Middle and Far East. Thanks to its international presence and wide ranging expertise it is the third largest European Life Company and a top 10 global insurer. Moreover, it can offer protection against all risks from simple cover for an individual to large industrial insurance.
For over 170 years the Generali Group has consolidated their position, being ranked as one of the top 50 companies in the world by Fortune 500. With combined assets in excess of US$200 billion and over 600 companies operating in some 50 markets, throughout five continents, the Generali Group is a truly international organisation with a worldwide presence.

Issued by Marco Ciotti, White Knight PR