People had '˜wheely' great fun at Big Bike Festival

Over a thousand people enjoyed fun in the sun as they saddled up for a celebration of cycling in Bearsden and Milngavie.
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Bike Festival

People of all ages, abilities and experience flocked to The Big Bike Fest - from May 28 to June 5- which culminated in a gala at the Allander Leisure Centre in Bearsden on Sunday (June 5).

Highlights included an evening with record-breaking cyclist Mark Beaumont, family cycle rides, pedal-powered cinema, historical tour, learning sessions, discussions and more.

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Almost all of the events were at capacity, with more than 1,100 attending during the week.

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Bike Festival

The grand finale was The Big Bike Fest Gala with hundreds enjoying a stunt show, unusual bikes, skills track, beginners’ events, cycle information, face-painting, balloon-making and more.

The Big Bike Fest was delivered by The Bike Station Glasgow - supported by the council and Sustrans.

Councillor Alan Moir, convener of development and regeneration at the council, said: “I am thrilled by the success of The Big Bike Fest - with more than a thousand people of all ages enjoying an array of active fun.

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“It’s a promising sign of support for the council’s ongoing efforts in Bearsden and Milngavie to encourage people to travel sustainably - particularly by bike - reducing traffic congestion, increasing health and wellbeing, and supporting the local economy.

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Bike Festival

“One of the key barriers to getting more people cycling - particularly families, women and older people - is a lack of confidence, particularly with traffic.

“The festival connected people and provided practical help to demonstrate that cycling really is for everyone.”

Councillor Moir added: “Feedback so far has been excellent and there was a lot of interest in the council’s Bears Way A81 project - which provides protected space for children, families and other people new to cycling to travel in

safety and comfort.

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Bike Festival
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“It is only partially complete at the moment, but is already proving popular with people travelling by bike for a variety of different trips.

“The aim is that the Bears Way - when completed - will connect Milngavie with Glasgow, traffic free.”

For more information, visit www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/bearsway and www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/cycling

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