Success for Tynedale's cycling festival On Yer Bike, Hexham

A 500m traffic-free circuit was installed along Market Street, Beaumont Street, Cowgarth and through Sele Park on September 22 for the On Yer Bike Tynedale festival.

Hexham Town Council deputy mayor Fay Hartland and bicycle mayor for Tynedale, Dr David Dixon, opened the cycling event.

The event closed the town centre off to all cars (Image: Supplied) This was the first community event of its kind and was very well attended by cyclists and spectators: more than 600 people came and cycled or enjoyed the atmosphere.

The weather was kind during the four-hour Sunday event and businesses that were open reported a healthy trade.

Hundreds of people attended the event (Image: Supplied) The main sponsor for the event was Clancy Traffic Management, which supports sustainability projects under its social responsibility remit.

The rest of the event costs were covered by local fundraising, donations of money from individuals and in-kind help.

The main aim of the day was to show that cycling can be accessed by anybody regardless of age or ability (Image: Supplied) It was organised by a small voluntary committee consisting of the main coordinator, Dr Dixon's wife, Zaria Greenhill and supported by Rob and Deborah Aubrook, David Dixon and town councillor Mike Domingue.

Twelfth City Cyclery mechanic Tom Hardy offered free bike maintenance. Many people used his services and this demand emphasised the need for more bike shops along the Tyne Valley, particularly in Hexham.

On Yer Bike was the first community event of its kind (Image: Supplied) The event's main focus was to show that cycling can be accessed by anyone regardless of age or ability, including Wheels for All which provided special bikes for those with physical impairment.

On Yer Bike also reminded people what a car-free central Hexham looks and feels like and how it can enhance areas and increase footfall for businesses.

Dr Dixon said: “It just goes to show that by changing circumstances you can encourage people to be more active which is both health enhancing and a way of improving the local environment. I’ll certainly share our event outcomes with the international bicycle mayor community to show that Hexham and Tynedale are at the forefront of a creating a more sustainable future."

Jenni Paul, who uses a wheelchair with an electric add-on, said: "It was the first time I felt safe going up Market Street in my motorised wheelchair. The pavements are so narrow that I have to go into the road if there's a pushchair coming the other way."

Dr Dixon thanked those who worked together to make the event a success. This includes 20 volunteer stewards on the day, the support of Hexham Town Council and Ed Clark, the senior programme transport officer from Northumberland County Council.

The new Community Cargo Bike, which will soon be available to loan for free by businesses and individuals, was also on display. The bicycle mayor hopes to hear from local businesses which would like to try some of their local deliveries by bike.

Contact Dr Dixon through his website https://www.drdaviddixon.earth/tynedale-bicycle-mayor.html for more information.