Cyclists had a yabba-dabba-do time at an event that brought hundreds of cyclists from around Kirklees together.
Streetbikes Real Community Tour of Yorkshire saw almost 250 people ride in groups from six parts of Kirklees, and meet together in St George’s Square.
Saturday’s event included children, pensioners, amateur riders, cyclists with a visual impairment, school groups, Kirklees’ Mayor, an Asian women’s group and former professional cyclist Brian Robinson.
Click below for pictures from the festival
The Hanson family of Kirkburton arrived in style on a Quadracycle dressed as the Flintstones.
Mum Fay, dad Colin, four-year-old Alfie and two-year-old Ciara, along with helper Chris Gillings, made the trip from New Mill.
Fay said: “It’s been great fun, something good for the children to get involved with and we’ve brought children from Kirkburton Karate Club along with us and it’s something for them to feel part of.”
Others taking part included the Kirklees Visual Impairment Network - cyclists with a visual impairment rode on a tandem assisted by a pilot.
David Quarmby, who cycled from Berry Brow, said: “I do think cycling can increase confidence for people with a visual impairment.
“We need pilots to guide the way, but there’s a great sense of achievement about being able to get involved in events like this - it’s real team work.”
Click below to watch the cyclists in action
Mr Robinson, the first Briton to finish the Tour de France, joined the event from Cleckheaton and he said: “Having people like Gill Greaves and the Streetbikes team put something like this together is just wonderful.
“The best thing is seeing all the children, it’s important to get the younger generation involved and I do think we need more volunteers like Gill to lead them.”
The former pro still cycles every week and says the Tour de France Grand Depart was inspiring people to have a go: “It’s opened cycling up a bit more, it’s led to events like this which shows that cycling isn’t an insular sport, it’s something for everyone.”
Gill Greaves, Streetbikes co-ordinator, said: “As a result of today 160 people have got a recycled bike but it’s not just about today, it’s about helping to change people’s lives. From today they can go away and cycle to improve health and fitness or get to work easier.
“It is amazing to see so many people here.”
The Mayor of Kirklees, Clr Martyn Bolt, joined the ride from Mirfield and he said: “Events like this are important, they get people involved at an introductory level and open up the possibilities and show that cycling isn’t just for lycra-clad people but it is for everyone.”
Colne Valley MP Jason McCartney also joined the ride from New Mill. He added: “Streetbikes has been running for four years now and it does amazing work, having the Tour de France has given them the opportunity to be part of the legacy and help people get involved in cycling.
“It great to see people from all walks of life and it shows there is no barrier to cycling.
“The energy of the people at Streetbikes like Gill is what will make the difference and the Tour will be a catalyst for so many people to have a go.”
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