Portsmouth City Council is working with a number of local partners to help spread the word about the benefits of active travel, through fun activities and free giveaways, with the chance to be entered into a fantastic prize draw to win a new bike, lock and helmet.
The free Get Active events will focus on helping people to make more active, sustainable journeys, while being healthier and contributing towards cleaner air for the city. Each event will be held at a different location during the first two weeks in August, to allow a greater number of people to enjoy these events in local communities.
Hampshire Police, Southsea Cycles, Pompey Pedals and Portsmouth Cycle Exchange will join the council’s safer travel team and bring these exciting events to life. People will be able to bring their bikes along for safety checks and repairs, and get them security marked and registered with Bike Register, the national security database. There will also be preloved bikes to buy, with discounts of up to 50% (maximum discount £50).
Adults and children will have the opportunity to learn to ride or develop their cycling confidence through drop-in training sessions. There will also be the chance to go for a spin in a tribike with Cycling Without Age. At Hilsea, visitors can find out more about instructor-led group rides, and the cycle way-maker scheme for people who have a passion for cycling. Visitors can also try out a range of bikes, including adapted cycles for people with reduced mobility.
At Get Active the whole family can enjoy a fun day out, accompanied by toe-tapping tunes. There will be a chance to make a delicious fruity drink with the smoothie bike, free fruit and water and face painting with the Pompey Monsters. Children can show off their balance skills with a fun cycling obstacle course, using one of the bikes provided.
Events are held between 11am and 2pm and take place at the following locations:
- Thursday 3 August – Hilsea, Alexandra Park
- Wednesday 9 August – Southsea, Canoe Lake
- Thursday 10 August – Baffins Park (near playground)
Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Portsmouth City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “In today’s challenging financial climate, we’re excited to be able to bring these free, fun events to local communities. With support from local organisations, we’re able to help encourage people to use the car less and spend more quality time together, this summer and beyond.
“These events help us reach out to more people about the positive benefits of walking and cycling on health and fitness and the benefits of cleaner air on our city’s overall health.”
To find out more about the events visit our website travel.portsmouth.gov.uk/getactive