On your marks, get set… cycle! Go Smarter, Go Active Roadshow bookings OPEN
A new fun-filled cycling roadshow has been launched which aims to get more people across the region on their bikes this summer – and beyond!
The Go Smarter, Go Active Roadshow is a brand new seven-week-long celebration of cycling which will tour Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and Durham throughout the summer holidays.
The free roadshow will begin on 19 July and will visit nine North East venues this summer, helping children and adults’ access free cycle training, interactive workshops and demos to encourage a greater use of active travel – a sustainable and accessible way to get around.
The events are part of the Go Smarter, Go Active campaign which aims to help the North East make the most of active travel as the region bounces back from the impact of the pandemic.
Cllr Martin Gannon, Chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee, said: “We saw in the first lockdown a huge increase of people walking and cycling which is why the Go Smarter, Go Active Roadshow couldn’t have come at a better time. The roadshow will help people of all ages across the North East pick up new cycle skills, whether that’s how to ride a bike, how to plan a journey or how to fix a puncture on the go. Most importantly, the roadshow events will give people the confidence they need to try cycling and see just how enjoyable it is – which is why I’m delighted to get behind it.
“The North East Joint Transport Committee is keen to promote the use of our fantastic cycling and walking network as we recover from the pandemic, in the hope that we can improve the health and wellbeing of local people, as well as play an active part in protecting the environment by taking more cars of the roads and reducing carbon emissions. So, what are you waiting for? There’s no better time to get involved – book your tickets today.”
Bookable roadshow events include adult refresher courses to help people get back on their bikes, family fun cycles, ‘Learn to Ride’ sessions for kids aged 5+ years and adult confidence booster ride-alongs. Equipment is provided, but you are encouraged to bring your own bike if you have one, so you can learn on a familiar cycle.
Drop-in sessions are also available, with no requirement to pre-book. They include Dr Bike health checks where you can bring along your bike for a free assessment; ‘Bike Maintenance 101’ interactive workshops; ‘Get into Gear’ demos on topics such as puncture repairs and journey planning and ‘Try a Bike’ sessions where you can try out a variety of different cycles, including tandems and cargo bikes to see what might work for you!
The roadshow will be visiting:
- Willowburn Leisure Centre, Alnwick – 19-21 July
- Ponteland Leisure Centre, Ponteland – 22-25 July
- Exhibition Park, Newcastle – 26 July – 1 August
- Riverside Park, Chester le Street – 2-4 August
- Hardwick Park, Durham – 5-8 August
- Herrington Country Park, Sunderland – 9-15 August
- Richardson Dees Park, Wallsend, 16-22 August
- Saltwell Park, Gateshead, 23-29 August
- South Marine Park, South Tyneside, 30 August – 5 September
All sessions are completely free, however spaces are limited to allow for social distancing and to operate within Covid guidelines, so we encourage you to book early. To find out more and to book, visit www.gosmartergoactive.co.uk/events/
More Go Smarter, Go Active resources are expected to launch at the start of the summer holidays including up-to-date regional cycling and walking maps and illustrated regional days out guides; providing inspiration and route information to encourage families to explore all the region has to offer by foot or by bike.
The Go Smarter, Go Active campaign is being delivered on behalf of the North East Joint Transport Committee by Transport North East, working in partnership with the seven North East Local Authorities. Funding for the campaign is being provided by the government’s Active Travel Fund.