Bike Week event "a huge success"

8.46.50pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 20th Jul 2008

• A special event staged by Richmond Council to mark National Bike Week was hailed as a "huge success."

Over 700 visitors attended the free event, held on the rugby field at Marble Hill Park on Sunday, June 15. Highlights included spectacular displays by a mountain bike stunt team. There were also cycle health checks on offer and a special area set aside where people could try out different types of cycles. Police were on hand to security mark visitors' bikes. There was also a chance to make your own smoothie by pedal power! And children were invited to decorate their bike in a "bling your bike!" competition. Visitors also had the opportunity to talk to experts and gather information about local cycling groups, cycle training, cycle routes in the borough and local bike shops.

Richmond Council's Cabinet Member for Traffic, Transport and Parking, Cllr David Trigg, who was among the many visitors to the event, said: "There was something for everyone - from total novices to passionate cyclists. And for people thinking of taking up cycling for the first time there was plenty to fire their enthusiasm. Bike Week provides a marvellous opportunity to promote cycling as one of the greenest forms of transport as well as being a great source of fitness and fun. And Sunday's event was a huge success, attracting an excellent turnout. It all reflects the Council's continuing efforts to promote cycling and other sustainable, healthy, modes of travel."