Cycling bonanza attracts the crowds

Jack Baldry, eight, from St Olaves, riding a paint spinning cycle at the Gorleston In Gear all things cycling event. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Pedal-powered activities attracted the crowds as Gorleston in Gear was hailed as a success.

Organised by Active Norfolk, this free family fun event celebrated all things cycling as bikes lined up on Gorleston's Lower Esplanade. With BMX bike demonstrations and coaching sessions proving popular, an adventure course and learn to ride sessions for young riders, an estimated 2,000 people had turned out during the first couple of hours.

Esme Varney-Dickson, ten, riding the smoothie making cycle at the Gorleston In Gear all things cycling event. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Seasoned cyclists, families and cycle club members all took part in a special discovery trail around Gorleston, answering 12 questions as they made their way around a seven mile route. Numerous other cycling themed activities and exhibitions were enjoyed by all ages – as engineered smoothie bikes and pedal-powered fun including can crushing, balloon blowing and paint spinning bikes attracted the crowds.

Vintage bikes and unusual bikes were also on display between 10am and 3pm today (Sunday). Gorleston in Gear is part of the Pushing Ahead project, a Department for Transport funded scheme that promotes walking and cycling – with this event aimed at encouraging participants to get a new take on cycling.

Concentrating hard, Jack Butcher, three, makes his way round the cycling skills course at the Gorleston In Gear all things cycling event. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

A new cycle map for Great Yarmouth and the surrounding area was also launched at the event. The Great Yarmouth cycle map features a mix of seven commuter pedalway routes and six leisure rides, and has been designed for anyone who lives in, works in, or is visiting the area. The map was created by Norfolk County Council in partnership with the Great Yarmouth Cycle Forum, Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Sustrans and AtoBetter.

Hilary Cox, Norfolk County Council's member champion for cycling and walking, was delighted with how the event had gone.

Adam Baxter from the 3Sixty bicycle stunt team in action at the Gorleston In Gear all things cycling event. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

'This is an ideal setting,' Cllr Cox said. 'It has been an absolutely marvellous day, and it is great to see so many people here cycling, walking and having fun. There is a real feel good factor here. The new map is very innovative, showcasing diverse routes that are suitable for all.' Fiona Roberts, Active Norfolk event manager, added: 'It has been extremely busy – we've probably had 2,000 people here already – and we are delighted with the turnout.'

The map is available from the Great Yarmouth Tourist Information Centre on Marine Parade.

Brett Penfold from the 3Sixty bicycle stunt team in action at the Gorleston In Gear all things cycling event. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

For more information visit www.pushingaheadnorfolk.co.uk

Matt Warnes and his son, Nate, four, on a tandem at the Gorleston In Gear all things cycling event. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Shay Beaumont-Smith, five, working out to turn the steering the opposite way to the way he is going on this unusual bike at the Gorleston In Gear all things cycling event. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

The new Great Yarmouth cycle map launched at the Gorleston In Gear all things cycling event. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)