Norwich event encourages people to get on their bikes

Active norfolk host a family festive cycling event at the Forum to encourage more people to cycle.Youngsters enjoying the cycle track.PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2016)

Bicicle, which was held outside the Forum in Norwich yesterday, saw families take part in obstacle courses, interactive ice sculpture carving and pedal-powered activities.

And director Ben Jones said the event had been a big success.

'It's all about encouraging people to come and take advantage of all the opportunities to get involved in cycling, to increase their confidence and realise the benefits,' he said.

The day had been around six months in the planning, and was organised by Active Norfolk, Norfolk County Council, Norwich Great Yarmouth councils, AtoBetter and the UEA

Active norfolk host a family festive cycling event at the Forum to encourage more people to cycle.The 3Sixty cycle stunt team.PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2016)

Mr Jones said that because it was being held between Christmas and New Year, it was the perfect time to get families on board.

One stall, run by Norfolk Police, was registering and marking bikes for free.

It means if a bike is stolen - and then recovered - its owner can be found thanks to a national database.

Sergeant Mark Shepherd said: 'And it's crime prevention, it acts as a deterrent as stickers show the bikes are registered.'

Active norfolk host a family festive cycling event at the Forum to encourage more people to cycle.The 3Sixty cycle stunt team.PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2016)

The event was part of Pushing Ahead, a Department for Transport funded project that promotes walking and cycling in Norwich and Great Yarmouth.

It included charity bike build called Santa Comes Late, where 10 bikes - secured by Pedal Revolution - were upcycled, and given to ten members of the community.

The recipients worked with Pedal Revolution staff to customise their bike at the event, and got to take it away on the day.

'It's the first time we've done this event,' said Mr Jones.

Active norfolk host a family festive cycling event at the Forum to encourage more people to cycle.PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2016)

'But I think we'll see an increase in these kind of things over the next few years.'

Active norfolk host a family festive cycling event at the Forum to encourage more people to cycle.PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2016)

Active norfolk host a family festive cycling event at the Forum to encourage more people to cycle.Sophie Barnes enjoying the event.PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2016)

Active norfolk host a family festive cycling event at the Forum to encourage more people to cycle.Jake Barnes making a smoothie with pedal power.PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2016)

Active norfolk host a family festive cycling event at the Forum to encourage more people to cycle.Emma Lee with her son, Reuben, enjoying the event.PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2016)