BIKE mad youngsters have been invited to an exciting new event in the heart of Worcester.

Cycle Sunday has been created by the city’s newest campaign forum Bike Worcester, which aims to persuade council chiefs to improve infrastructure to make it easier and safer for people to move around on two wheels.

The forum’s inaugural event takes place on Sunday, June 9 at Pitchroft Racecourse where youngsters will be able to navigate traffic free riverside paths with cycle challenges, guided rides and trial racing.     

The event has been organised by Bike Worcester founder members Paul Sobczyk, Cllrs Louis Stephen and Mathew Jenkins and fellow local cyclists Lyndon Bracewell and Danny Brothwell who aim to identify actions that can be taken to make cycling

easier and safer such as improving cycle paths and filling in hazardous  pot holes.

“This is a simple ‘turn up and ride’ family cycling get together with the added bonus of skill challenges and games,” explained Paul. “The event is run by volunteers to encourage more of us to enjoy traffic areas of the city. It is a free

event for anyone interested in cycling. We are encouraging people to bring a picnic and visit local cafes.

“All types of bikes are welcome including balance bikes, trailer bikes, tandems, tricycles and recumbants,” added Paul.

“Whilst riders are welcome to cycle on their own, ride leaders from Worcester St John’s Cycle Club and Women on Wheels will be there to help.

“Cycle Sunday is taking place during national bike week and is registered with cycling UK as a designated bike week event,” he added.

Bike Worcester hopes to involve councillors from the three main political parties, representatives from the city council and volunteers from Cycle UK, Sustrans, Push Bike and other local cycle clubs.

“Latest surveys show that cycling locally is increasing at one of the fastest rates in the UK,” said Paul. “20 per cent of the county already cycle regularly and we want that number to increase. The benefits are enormous both personally

and environmentally. I hope this is just the first of many events we will be holding across the city,”  added Paul.

The event runs from 10.30am until 12.30 and starts in the centre of the Racecourse. For more information go to

www.cyclinguk.org/bikeweek.