North Ayrshire Council

04/19/2022 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/19/2022 07:19

Fun, free, family-friendly Cycling Scotland event is coming to Irvine!

Posted on 19 Apr 2022

With the better weather on the horizon, now is the perfect time to dust down those bikes in the shed or garage, hop on the saddle and enjoy some of the very best local cycle routes Irvine has to offer.

Taking place on Sunday, 8 May 2022, the 'Pedal Irvine' event offers the perfect opportunity to do just that, while enjoying a local, safe and accessible cycling route for all the family.

Fun, inclusive and free-to-enter, Pedal Irvine is a mass participation cycle event organised by North Ayrshire Council's Trinity Active Travel Hub, sponsored by Cycling Scotland.

The lowdown for the event is as follows:

  • Start & finish (loop): Scottish Maritime Museum, Linthouse Building, Harbour Rd, Irvine KA12 8BT
  • Date: Sunday, 8 May 2022
  • Arrival and Registration time: 9.30am
  • Ride start time: 10am
  • Distance: 6.2miles (approx. 10k)
  • Difficulty: Beginner level, flat route
  • Estimated completion time: 60-90 minutes
  • Event will be held subject to current local Covid-19 public health guidance
  • All you need to do now is register before the eventhere at Eventbrite.

The non-competitive cycling event is aimed at beginners and families to encourage them to take advantage of the fantastic cycle routes we have on our doorstep here in Irvine, North Ayrshire.

Caitriona McAuley, North Ayrshire Head of Service (Economic Development & Regeneration) commented: "North Ayrshire Council is proud to support the first-ever Pedal Irvine event in partnership with Cycling Scotland.

"We are very much looking forward to hosting this fun day out for all the family and local people new to cycling. I would urge anyone looking for a welcoming, safe and fun cycling environment to get involved and join our Active Travel and Active Schools teams at Pedal Irvine on Sunday 8 May for a brilliant day of cycling on a short, flat route."

Over 1,000 people participated in last year's series of Pedal for Scotland events and the Pedal Irvine route is a fantastic opportunity for local people to get involved this year and get to know more others interested in keeping active outdoors.

Caitriona added: "This is a great chance to enjoy the many cycle routes Irvine has to offer including those of the National Cycle Network, our picturesque Beach Park trails and the scenic views around Irvine Harbourside.

"We hope that the event will inspire participants to cycle more regularly and discover the wealth of other Active Travel routes North Ayrshire has to offer, while enjoying the positive health and wellbeing benefits associated with spending more time outdoors."

Building on Cycling Scotland's 20-year legacy, the Pedal for Scotland series of events across Scotland aim to:

  • Promote local cycle infrastructure available all year-round
  • Promote and develop local communities
  • Highlight local opportunities and support available to cycle
  • Provide a high-quality experience to motivate and encourage people to cycle
  • Ensure inclusivity through access to bikes.

So why not be a part of this exciting mass cycle and support your local community?

If you don't have a bike, you may be able to borrow one to take part - find out more at Pedal for Scotland - FAQs - Cycling Scotland #PedalforScotland

And there's more…

On the run-up to the Pedal Irvine event, the Ayrshire Women's Cycle Festival will also be taking place from Thursday 5 - Saturday 7 May with plenty of fun activities, including a Dr Bike drop-in session to ensure your bike is well and ready for the upcoming Pedal Irvine event - find out more on the website at: Ayrshire Women's Cycle Festival.