Bike fever hits town (From Malvern Gazette)

Bike fever hits town

11:32am Monday 17th September 2007

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BICYCLES, tricycles, tandems and rickshaws were among a motley collection of pedal-powered contraptions available to try at Malvern's Get Cycling Roadshow.

Families flocked to Priory Park to have a go on the bizarre bikes, compete in a time-trial or just enjoy the summer weather.

Madeline Sumner, district council transport officer, said: "We want people to come and try cycling. Hopefully they will leave the roadshow and want to use their bikes more."

The event, last Saturday afternoon, was designed to capitalise on the recent interest in cycling generated by the Tour of Britain visit.

Madeline said: "We've started a poole bike scheme for the council. Hopefully we can get people out of their cars and travelling to meetings on their bikes."

The bicycles on show were provided by The Company of Cyclists, who travel around the country providing education, training and hands-on demonstrations.

Among their stock of odd bicycles are four-seater family bikes, penny-fathings and so-called viking cycles - robust bikes suitable for dodgem use.

Company director Chris Hamm said: "We're trying to create a positive reaction to cycling. All of these bikes are available on the market, but they're all different enough to capture a child's interest."

Other activities on offer were a free cycle fitness session from Banana Fitness, a prize for riding the fastest 250m, and a competition to a win a £350 "Cruisor" bike, donated by Malvern company Back on Track Bikes.

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