Saffron Walden to celebrate cycling on World Bike Day

Saffron Walden Town Council and Uttlesford District Council have joined forces for the event from 10am to 3pm on Thursday, May 30.

Visitors to Market Square can sign up for family bike confidence sessions, with rides around the town led by trained professionals to increase your awareness, confidence and skills when cycling on the road.

Children can also take part in free 'learn to ride' sessions, which must be booked in advance at https://www.uttlesford.gov.uk/clean-air-events.

Old bikes in need of TLC can be brought to the bike doctor to get them back on the road and fixed for free, or you can make a smoothie from pedal power on a smoothie bike.

1Life Lord Butler fitness and leisure centre and Essex mobile outreach library will also be in attendance, while Essex Police will offer bike marking.

A SWTC spokesperson said: "It is great to be working collaboratively with our UDC colleagues to provide this free family fun event for all to enjoy in the half term holiday."

A spokesperson from Uttlesford District Council added: "We hope this will complement the launch of our bike schemes across Saffron Walden and encourage more people to get back on their bikes.

"The benefits of cycling extend beyond reducing emissions and car use, but also helps to increase physical activity levels as well as boost your mood."

On Friday, May 24, the RideLondon Classique cycle race is starting in the centre of Market Square.

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From 9am on the day, visitors will be able to take on the 'bike challenge' with 1Life Lord Butler. The winner will receive a free one-month membership, and everyone taking part will be entitled to a three-day pass.

The smoothie bike will return, along with a pop-up stall from Saffron Walden Library and refreshments.

The race itself starts at 11am. Beginning in Market Square, the riders will roll out via Hill Street, then head towards Great Chishill before making their way towards Thaxted, Finchingfield, Halstead and Mistley, finishing on East Hill in Colchester at 3pm.