A conference focusing on how the leisure and tourism sector can maximise the benefits of cycling is set to take place in September.

The Benefits of Cycling to Leisure and Tourism is being held at the University of Bolton on 12 September and will include speakers from Sustrans (the sustainable transport charity), Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and the University of Central Lancashire. The keynote speaker is Susan Achmatowicz of Country Lanes and British Waterways Board.

Conference organiser Dr John Parkin of the University of Bolton's Built Environment Department said: “Cycling has so many benefits – for the environment, for health and for reducing congestion.

“My past research has shown there are barriers to cycling – some real, some imagined, such as false perceptions around safety and carrying goods, for instance. This conference will show what cycling has to offer the leisure and tourism industries, how it can be marketed and how to overcome these barriers.”

Susan Achmatowicz added: “Leisure cycling is a powerful sustainable tourism product. When developed thoughtfully it can deliver economic, social and environmental benefits to local communities.” Details: www.bolton.ac.uk/staff/jp10/cyclingconference.htm

Photograph: Dr John Parkin at the University of Bolton