Chelmsford gears up for summer cycling

There was lots of fun on two wheels as families turned out in force to taste the joys of cycling.

Chelmsford City Council’s community sport and wellbeing team held the well-attended cycling taster day for old and new riders, with a host of activities to get people on their bikes. With over 30 miles of dedicated cycle routes in Chelmsford, there’s a great summer of cycling ahead.

Cycling festival is coming soon

Whether a rider or not, you can enjoy the excitement of a great cycling occasion when the world’s greatest cycling festival comes to Chelmsford later this month. RideLondon is coming to Essex for the first time in its history – look out for more information about this fantastic event.

Learning to ride

For those who had never taken the plunge, the taster day provided a safe environment to learn with experienced instructors. There were some notable successes with most riders able to ride successfully, and one young boy able to join his mum on the family bike ride.

Lots of budding cyclists aged three to five lined up to enjoy the popular balance bike sessions. The aim was to ditch the stabilizers and get youngsters whizzing around without the wobbles.

A treasure hunt to explore Chelmsford

Families got pedalling on a treasure hunt that took them on a round trip from Chelmsford to Writtle and back. This was a family friendly ride at a gentle pace over a traffic-free three mile route. Riders could choose options from the Explore Chelmsford cycle maps and cycle routes.

The Explore Chelmsford site at www.chelmsford.gov.uk/explore has over 13 great family friendly (and mostly traffic free) cycle routes across Chelmsford.

Each map has an Eye Spy quiz and people who completed a route could enter a prize draw for a £50 Halfords voucher just for answering the questions. The lucky winners will find out at the next draw in June.

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“The sun was out to add to the enjoyment of the many families who came to Central Park to test – or learn new cycling skills. We’re grateful for the help and support of Bikeability instructors from Essex County Council who delivered the sessions.

"We’re proud that Chelmsford has a great network of routes to explore by bike. Now more people will be able to take advantage of the outdoors on their bikes. With RideLondon and the RideLondon Classique races taking place from 27 to 29 May, there will be another opportunity for families to come out and enjoy the thrills of cycling.

"We will be offering more fun activities on Saturday 28 May at the Anglia Ruskin University campus. Chelmsford City Council and the university are hosting the family cycle festival to celebrate the Classique taking place in Chelmsford. Come and spot top names in the world of women’s elite cycling.“

Antony Bensley, Community Sport and Wellbeing Manager

Family cycling event on 28 May

The RideLondon Family Cycle event takes place from 9.30am to 2pm. Details are available at www.chelmsford.gov.uk/csaw

You can watch the riders as they start at the campus, and enjoy a morning of activities for all the family.