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.

We also asked Ebike, a new shop selling only electric bikes, to offer test rides and talk to people about the advantages of electric assist. 

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 quiet, they were fast - in fact, we gave up on the test rides in crowds... and for many people, they offered the option of a commute to work without breaking a sweat.  One person was so taken with the bikes, he went over to the shop later in the day to have a ride and a longer conversation. 

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!