Saddle up for the ‘Bury Goes Biking’ spectacular

Preparations are under way for the first ever closed road community cycling event in Bury St Edmunds.

Taking place on Sunday, 30 September, between 10am and 2pm, the free event will offer a unique opportunity for cyclists of all ages and abilities to cycle on traffic free, closed-off roads around the town centre and it’s expected that hundreds of families will take to the town’s streets to enjoy the experience.

Participants will be encouraged to register in advance, although registration will also be possible on the day, and they will be given the chance to raise money for the Hospice.

Town Councillor Ann Williamson said “We’re really excited to be bringing this event to the town, giving everyone the opportunity of cycling around, getting some fresh air and exercise without having to worry about parked and moving vehicles.

“We’re aware that traffic can be a barrier to getting out on a bike so we’re hoping that this event, the first of its kind for Bury, will encourage families to get out together and enjoy our beautiful town.”

The name of the event, Bury Goes Biking, was the idea of eight-year-old Joseph Harden from Abbotts Green Primary School.

Joseph said  “As soon as my teacher told us about the competition, I knew the name I wanted to enter, because it’s in Bury and it’s all about biking.”

Jospeh, who won an android tablet kindly donated by Hughes, also said that he would definitely be taking part in the ride with his sister Phoebe and Mum and Dad.

The event is being made possible through a partnership between Abbeycroft Leisure, Bury St Edmunds Town Council, the Palmer Group and St Nicholas Hospice Care with support from St Edmundsbury Borough Council, Suffolk County Council and West Suffolk Wheelers.

Warren Smyth, Abbeycroft Leisure’s Chief Executive Officer said “We’re very happy to be helping to bring this family-friendly event to the town, as we’ve seen how successful mass participation cycling events such as Women On Wheels have been in the past.

“It also contributes to Suffolk’s ambition of becoming the most active county in England.”

The proposed route will start on Angel Hill, leading into Bridlewell Lane, along Westgate Street, Whiting Street, Cornhill and Abbeygate Street before finishing back where it started.

George Chilvers, St Nicholas Hospice Care’s community fundraising manager, said: “Bury Goes Biking is already shaping up to be a great event and I hope as many people as possible will join us on the day to support the occasion, and of course have some fun out in the fresh air too.

“Every single penny people are able to raise for the hospice will make a big difference to us as we continue to provide care and support to people across the area with long-term and life-threatening illnesses and their families.”

You can find out more about the event and register for free here