Bicester Bike Fun Day 2019 encourages locals to get on bikes

Organised by North West Bicester developer A2Dominion and Cherwell District Council, Bicester's annual Bike Fun Day saw families ditch their cars and embrace their bikes.

Held at Spider Park in Keble Road, the family-friendly event encouraged residents of all ages and abilities to take up cycling as a social activity as well as an excellent way to travel around the town.

The day kicked off with the Tour de Bicester, an exhilarating treasure hunt for all the family throughout Bicester, where residents followed clues to claim their own victory medal.

This year, almost 100 participants took part in the tour which was a 30-mile road ride to Waterperry Gardens and back, guided by Bicester Millennium Cycling Club.

There was also a range of activities throughout the day including a climbing wall, face-painting and a very popular tombola.

Other highlights included an exclusive showcase from Team Extreme, the UK’s only professional BMX extreme sports team.

Bicester resident, Jane Fallaize, who took part in the Tour de Bicester with her husband and two children, said: “We love cycling as a family and had such an amazing time here today. We especially enjoyed the Tour de Bicester as it was lots of fun collecting the clues around town and receiving our victory medals at the end.”

Dawn Wightman, director of housing at A2Dominion, said: “Promoting cycling in Bicester as a sustainable mode of travel is at the core of our ethos at NW Bicester.

"This year's bike day was a fantastic occasion and we are proud to organise such a wonderful partnership event that celebrates Bicester’s community spirit and encourages residents to travel by bike and improve their health and wellbeing.”

There was also a variety of different bicycles on display, from electric bikes to family-friendly chariots and tag-alongs.

Inclusive bike specialists, Wheels For All, brought along specially adapted models for those with physical disabilities to try.

Councillor Andrew McHugh, Cherwell’s lead member for health and wellbeing, said: “Active travel is a key part of Bicester’s future. It’s great for people’s physical and mental wellbeing and has major environmental benefits.

"This year’s Bike Day proved a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to experience cycling in many forms, but most importantly it gave everyone who came along the chance to have fun on two, three or even four wheels.”

Thames Valley Police attended with their bike marking tools and Dr Bike was also on hand, offering free servicing to help keep residents’ bikes in the best condition. The event coincides with Bicester's Healthy Town initiative.