AN annual community cycling festival is set to return to Reading this weekend.
The fifth annual Reading Cycling Festival 2024 takes place on Sunday, September 8, between 11am until 4pm, at the Christchurch Meadows in Reading.
A spokesperson for the Reading Cycling Festival, said: "There’s a number of things people can expect from the event, such as a stunt display.
"A stunt team will be performing several times during the festival, showcasing jumps and flips, which are quite exciting.
"There is an obstacle course with ramps, which are the kinds of activities you might expect from a mountain-biking festival, but which quite a lot of young people enjoy.
"There will also be a pump track, a circular track with undulations and ramps," he said, which is designed to be ridden completely by riders "pumping" or generating momentum by up and down body movements, instead of pedalling or pushing.
Last year, thousands of people attended the event.
When asked why its popular, the Reading Cycling Festival spokesperson, said: "Cycling is a fun activity which is useful for transport and leisure, which could also help us to deal with the climate emergency, replacing cars which are very polluting.
"We feel its important for people to know more about bikes and that there are a variety of things you can do with the bike.
"The cycling festival is one way in which we can do that, as there are lots of groups of the cycling community which are represented.
"People of the community are keen to share their enthusiasm for riding a bike, and quite a number of clubs are keen to get more members.
"There are also campaign groups which are working to improve conditions for cycling such as lobbying for improved road conditions.
"These are very friendly communities, quite inclusive.
"Reading in a way is pretty good for cycling, especially off-road. It's a wonderful area where you can go away from the road such as along the river bank and in the countryside. You can enjoy a very quiet ride."
He added: "Reading Borough Council is working to improve things for cyclists, which is really encouraging, though there is a long way to go, but at least the commitment is there from the council."
Various bike shops will attend the event, which will also showcase e-bikes.
“The e-bike is a great enabler,” said Greg Woodford, director of the training company Avanti Cycling, the main festival organiser.
Mr Woodford, said: “E-bikes help so many more people to ride because they provide your legs with a bit of extra power to gain a bit more speed and to get you up those hills.”
Attendees at the festival will get the opportunity to try a number of bikes, including the Penny Farthing.
Mechanics will be on hand for minor repairs and bike checks for free.
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