Oswestry BikeFest free family day out on 5 July 2014
BikeFest is a free family day out in Oswestry on Saturday 5 July 2014 from 11am-3pm, with cycling activities for all ages and abilities.
BikeFest is in its third year and is run by Shropshire Council’s Travel Shropshire team, at the Oswestry campus of Walford and North Shropshire College on Shrewsbury Road.
Claire Wild, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways and transport, said:
“As well as being a great day out, BikeFest is a chance for people to get answers to their cycling questions and get new ideas about where they can ride. They can find out about how they can start cycling on their regular journeys to school, to the shops or to see friends.
“We’re very grateful to our partners Sustrans, and Walford and North Shropshire College, for their support of BikeFest.
“This year we’re also very pleased to have Wheels For All with us; they are a national charity who aim to make cycling accessible for all, including people with disabilities and differing needs. Wheels For All plan a series of sessions in Shropshire, starting with Oswestry BikeFest, and will bring a range of adapted bicycles and trikes. These are especially suitable for children and young people with disabilities, but all are welcome to come and try out the bikes.”
Rod Thomson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health, said:
“Cycling is a great way of becoming and staying physically active. With almost one in five 11-year-olds and many adults over a healthy weight, cycling is an enjoyable way of making a positive difference in your life.”
Bring your bike along for a free safety check from bike mechanic Dr Bike; make a pedal-powered work of art; or brush up your cycle skills with the Bikeability trainers.
Back by popular demand is the ‘paper round challenge’, an obstacle course for all ages designed by a local cyclist and supported by the Oswestry Chronicle. No previous experience of delivering newspapers is needed to take part.
There will also be electric bikes to try (age 14+ only).
There will be lots for younger children to enjoy including art activities, face painting and ‘stabilisers off’ sessions; while their parents can find practical information and advice about cycling, and enjoy the display of vintage bicycles from the 1940s and 1950s.
A family cycle ride to the event will leave Gatacre car park at 10.15am. Just turn up and join the ride – under 16s must bring an adult.
Full details of the event online at www.travelshropshire.co.uk/oswestry-bikefest or ring 01743 253008 for more information.
Further information
Wheels for All is run by the Cycle Projects charity. Contact Ian Tierney on 01925 234213 or 07709 140910.
