Cyclists encouraged to take part in cycle cavalcade
It’s National Bike Week from Saturday 12 – Sunday 20 June and Winchester can claim to have its fair share of cycling activities to entice would-be cyclists onto their bikes during this annual ‘celebration of cycling’.
Cycle Cavalcade
The city hosts the 9th Winchester Bike Fair & Cycle Cavalcade on Saturday 12 and the organisers are especially keen to encourage cyclists of all ages and abilities to join in the Cycle Cavalcade.
Matthew Hill, Winchester City Council’s Sustainable Transport Officer, says the number of cyclists taking part in the Cycle Cavalcade continues to grow each year. "If you haven’t participated before then you will enjoy the thrill of cycling with a large group of cyclists of all ages on a variety of bikes, and help to draw attention to the benefits and pleasures of leisure cycling at the same time," he added.
Judy Goodlet from BBC Radio Solent will be cycling at the head of the Cycle Cavalcade, which starts at 11am, and Portswood Cycles are supplying some useful give-aways – water bottles to older cyclists and novelty bells for youngsters. The Deputy Mayor of Winchester Cllr Mrs Cecily Sutton will get things under way and cyclists will soon find themselves on a pleasant route around the City which will be way-marked with marshals stationed at all strategic points.
The Cycle Cavalcade leaves from the Broadway and makes it way to the top of the High Street, then diverts into Winchester Cathedral Close, passes Jane Austen’s House and Winchester College in College Street, crosses the River Itchen before returning to the Broadway via Wharf Hill and past the City Mill in Bridge Street.
Bike Fair
Visitors to the Bike Fair can try out a variety of bikes and equipment as well as talk to members of local cycling clubs, get information on cycle hire, cycle training, safety and cycle rides in and around Winchester. It starts at 10 am and new exhibitors include Zero Cycles who are displaying chainless bicycles and ‘Ride My Bike’ who will have information on cycle training to the new national standard for children and adults.
Visitors will also be able to try out electric bikes which have become increasingly popular, enter a cycling related competition on the Leukaemia Research Fund stand and take a nostalgic look back at bicycles and tricycles from Victorian times brought to the event by the Solent Veteran Bicycle & Tricycle Club.
Other Events in Winchester on Saturday 12 June
The VC Venta ‘Cycle Slalom Challenge’ for youngsters under 13 years of age gets underway at 10am on the basketball court at the rear of the River Park Leisure Centre - a simple obstacle course that tests children’s skill and confidence on their bikes. At 2pm (from the Worthy Lane car park) cyclists can set out with CTC members on a 10-15 mile ride on minor roads.
Winchester Bike Week is supported by Winchester City Council and benefits from MIRACLES (Multi Initiatives for Rationalised Accessibility and Clean Liveable EnvironmentS) funding.
For more information about the 9th Winchester Bike Fair & Cycle Cavalcade and all other events taking place in Winchester during National Bike Week visit the website: www.winchester.gov.uk/onthemove