Cycle Sunday comes to Cranbrook

Residents of Cranbrook will be taking to two wheels next Sunday (October 2) as a day of cycling-related activity offers them the chance to reap the benefits of bike power.

The Cycle Sunday event will bring together successful schemes such as Active Mums – a project for mums and babies led by Active Devon, the county wide community organisation that works to inspire and support the people of Devon to lead active lifestyles, along with Sportivate – a cycling programme exclusively for women of all ages; Cranbrook Cycling Club; and skills sessions in off road cycling and bike maintenance.

And children will be able to get involved in short bikeability and scooter skills sessions, aimed at improving confidence and encouraging active travel to school and around Cranbrook.

Budget bikes will be on sale from Ride On, and Dr Bike will be offering free bike checks for those who already own one.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for cycling, said: “Cycle Sunday events are extremely popular and, as always, there will be plenty of family-friendly activities on offer. Hopefully it will inspire people to rediscover the benefits of cycling or, if they’re new to cycling, just to give it a go.

“We want more people to consider sustainable travel options and Cranbrook has the infrastructure in place to help people do that. We will be introducing a map for residents, which provides details of walking and cycling routes around the town and to the Science Park and into Exeter.”

Cycle Sunday builds on a programme of summer activities run by Move More Live Well group, supported by Active Devon and funded through a collaboration between NHS Healthy New Towns and Devon County Council’s Access Fund programme. The summer activities included leisure cycle rides to Killerton and Clyston Mill, cycle maintenance classes, and the very popular Active Mums project.

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council’s lead member for health and wellbeing, said: “This event celebrates the positive partnerships being built between local organisations and the local community in Cranbrook, and is a really good example of why Cranbrook has achieved a Healthy Town status.

“By making sure people in the town have the opportunity to learn about, try out and enjoy cycling from a young age, I hope that we are building a generation that understands the importance of being physically active as well as making travel choices that have less impact on the environment.

“Active Devon has played a key role in bringing these activities to Cranbrook and I wish the event every success.”

Cranbrook Cycle Sunday is free , and anyone is welcome to attend. Activities run from 11am to 4pm.