Bike Festival comes to Northumberland town on Thursday

A bike festival will take place this Thursday as part of a campaign to encourage Northumberland residents to travel more sustainably.

The Pop Up Bike Festival is an extension of The Big Northumberland Gear Change, a campaign encouraging residents to slow down and move around the county by walking, cycling and public transport more often to reach its net zero target by 2030. Taking place in Blyth's Market Place from 10:00 - 16:00, there will be demonstrations and coaching sessions by the 3SIXTY BMX stunt team, young children can try out balance bikes and e-bikes will be there for people of all ages to experience.

Visitors are also being encouraged to bring their own bikes for a checkup from Dr Bike where mechanics will be carrying out bike safety inspections with the aim of helping everyone to stay safe, as well as increasing sustainable travel. As well as the activities in Market Place, children can take part in a 'Doodle Bike' colouring session inside the Keel Row Shopping Centre to help design a BMX bike frame featuring landmarks in Blyth, while there will be more information on The Big Northumberland Gear Change initiative and the regeneration of Blyth Town Centre.

Sarah Rowell, Principal Transport Officer at Northumberland County Council, said: "I’d like to encourage new and seasoned cyclists to come to Blyth and make the most of The Big Northumberland Gear Change Pop Up Bike Festival. It’s a great way to start - or get back into - cycling this summer as well as find out about The Big Northumberland Gear Change and other developments in Blyth.

"As well as all of the fun, we would like to speak with the public and provide an update on our infrastructure improvement plans following a public consultation on walking and cycling earlier this year. Staff will be stationed inside The Keel Row Shopping Centre and will be on hand to discuss what we are planning as well as to hear your views."

Cllr Wojciech Ploszaj, cabinet member for Business, and Cllr John Riddle, Cabinet Member for Local Services, supporting the Big Northumberland Gear Change (Handout - Northumberland County Council)

John Riddle, Northumberland County Councillor and cabinet member for local services, said: "The festival at Blyth’s Market Place is a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to try out a variety of bikes and get the advice they may need to get started with cycling and tips on how to stay safe. Given that a third of car journeys made in the county are 5km are less, cycling really is a great way to cut down on carbon emissions, help with family budgets and improve your health - even if you just bike to your local shop."