To celebrate the joy of cycling, South Somerset District Council is inviting families to hop onto the saddle and take part in the 2ndBike Fest on Wednesday 17th August.
The free event takes place at Birchfield Park in Yeovil and will offer a range of fun activities including guided bike rides, a pump track challenge and cycle maintenance. Anyone fancying a break from two wheels can take part in circus skills or get creative with Play Art.
Robert Parr, Senior Play & Youth Facilities Officer at South Somerset District Council, explains more about the idea behind Bike Fest: “Following a really encouraging turnout last year we’ve organised the second Bike Fest with the aim of promoting all things bicycle. We really want to offer opportunities for more people to get involved in cycling. The event forms part of our holiday activities programme providing leisure opportunities with the added benefit of promoting active lifestyles and green transport.
“Last year we asked the public for their views on a proposed Bike Park for this site. Based on the success of this event and the consultation feedback received, it was agreed to install a modular Pump Track at Birchfield Park. This was officially opened on 30thSeptember 2015. A ‘Pump Track’ is a closed circuit that can be ridden by using and up and down ‘pumping’ motion to propel the bicycle forward, instead of pedalling. The narrow track and tight corners make for an exciting ride, which you can ride as fast or as slow as your ability allows.
“Feedback on the new Pump Track has been extremely positive and it has proven to be a very well used and valued facility in the area. As a result of the Pump Track success, we are now looking at facility options and will be consulting people on whether the site could be developed further to create a destination Bike Park for a wide range of cycling activities which could integrate into the wider cycling infrastructure being developed in the town.”
Cllr Sylvia Seal, South Somerset’s Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture added: “This event forms part of South Somerset District Council’s ongoing work to increase and improve play opportunities for children in the district.
“We are delighted that Knightstone Housing Group are supporting this event and they will certainly have their hands full overseeing the pump track challenge. We are also grateful to Bucklers Mead Leisure Centre who will be encouraging people to get on their bikes.
“Cycling has never been more popular and Bike Fest aims to capture this excitement and get families active.”
