April news
Freewheel along to Albert Road on 11 May
Traders in Albert Road in Southsea are encouraging people to visit them on Sunday 11 May by cycling or walking - to show that you can get there from anywhere in the city without a car.
Sponsored by Portsmouth City Council, the event promises fun for all the family with shops open from 12 until 5pm, plenty of places to enjoy a meal or drink, and a 'Tour De Albert' with the chance to win a bike and other great prizes.
With lots of attractions on offer including a cycle route along the road, there are prizes for fancy dress, a fancy dress bike, best bike and the most family members on bikes, as well as a display of vintage bikes and a busking competition. The winner will get the chance to appear live on stage at the Love Albert Road Festival in September.
City council cycling officer Jayne Rodgers said: "The aim of the day is to get as many people as possible to cycle to one place, to show support for cycling locally and to raise awareness of cyclists in the city, especially on some of the busier roads.
"We also want to encourage more families to get out on their bikes and cycle to Albert Road. Lots more people would cycle if they felt it was safer - the more cyclists there are, the more aware drivers need to be on the roads.
"The health benefits of cycling are clear - if you cycle a couple of miles a day it's a good way to include some exercise in your routine. Portsmouth is an ideal place to cycle, especially for short local journeys as it's mainly flat, compact and densely populated. If more people cycled for short journeys, it would have a dramatic impact on the amount of traffic on the roads, cut congestion and reduce pollution."
Samantha Fay, Southsea town centre manager, added: "We're still looking for more activities and attractions to take part so if you're an entertainer, have an unusual bike or know a cycling celebrity, please get in touch with Lord Sonic of Southsea, at Parmiters Antiques in Albert Road."