An unusual bike is all it takes to convert festival-goers to cyclists

By ElizabethBarner
Wednesday, 26 June 2013
Cyclone Works at Leicester's Riverside Festival, photo by Ian Timings
I’m always looking for ways to introduce people to cycling and gatherings seem like a good place to offer a try to anyone who hasn’t ridden bike in a while. With sun, Cyclone Works and Ebike, Leicester’s Riverside Festival made cycling very popular.

CTC's Cycling Champions Project asked Cyclone Works to bring along their fun and beautiful bikes, built in Leicester - and people of all ages loved the range of machines. 

There were smiles evoked from the ingenuity of design, the challenge of riding, and the pleasure of watching fruit become a smoothie: the faster you pedal, the faster you get your treat! 

More than 500 people rode the bikes (or tried to). I was disappointed I didn’t have time for a ride, but I did receive requests for cycle training to gain comfort in traffic, from families who were inspired to take up cycling after the weekend.

As I’ve always been attached to my human-powered vehicle (being human powered), I was a bit sceptical.  I was wrong.  I loved them; everyone loved them!  

They were

The shop will be officially opened by the city Mayor on Saturday 29 June.

Hurray for the mobile bike provided by Leicester City Council – what a great way to encourage people to arrive by bike!

Family cycling Local cycling projects

Further reading