BOSSES should help workers get on their bikes by providing extra facilities for cycling staff.

Bolton's cycling supremo believes more people would leave their cars at home if pedalling to work was made more attractive.

Cllr Stuart Murray is convinced many cyclists are put off using expensive bikes for work because there is nowhere safe to store them.

They are also deterred by the thought of arriving at work dripping in sweat and not being able to have a wash and brush up.

Cllr Murray told councillors he recognised the need for safety measures such as better junctions and cycle lanes but said less ambitious moves would also encourage people to ditch their motors.

The new chairman of Bolton's Cycling Strategy committee enjoys the odd bike ride around his Astley Bridge ward but insists he is not a car hating, militant cyclist.

He said: "I have no liking for, or see no need for, wearing lycra shorts, in my case a simple pair of bicycle clips suffices.

"People will use a bike when it is fun, and as a mode of transport it has much to commend it.

"But we cannot encourage usage until we deal with things like bad junctions, secure parking and showers."

After the meeting of the full council Cllr Murray said: "It is something I would like employers to think about.

"Often it is not a case of spending extra money but just looking around the building and identifying facilities which could be used.

"For instance, many employers are concerned about the company car park but would not even think about providing a secure area for bikes."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.