Barrow's Big Bike Week set to roll into town this August
A packed programme of cycling activities, family fun and opportunities to get active is coming to Barrow this August as Barrow's Big Bike Week arrives in town.
Organised by Travel Actively Barrow, the five-day festival takes place 17 – 21 August and will celebrate all things cycling and encourage people of all ages and abilities to get involved, whether they are experienced riders or complete beginners. The week will feature a range of activities designed to build confidence, develop skills and showcase the many benefits of getting on a bike helping to kick start new active travel habits.
Participants will have the opportunity to take part in guided rides and confidence-building sessions delivered by local partners Barrow on Bikes and Cyclewise, helping riders gain skills and explore cycling routes across the area. Spaces are limited, and early booking is encouraged.
For those looking for a more adventurous experience, mountain bike sessions led by Ride Bikes will offer the chance to put cycling skills to the test on brand-new ramps. There's also the opportunity to take part in a fun and energetic spin class, allowing participants to enjoy the benefits of cycling indoors for exercise.
The week will culminate in two family-focused celebration events, including a Family Fun Day (Thursday 20 at Park Vale, Walney) and a Biking Bonanza Grand Finale (Friday 21 at Furness Academy). Visitors will have the chance to experience the weird and wonderful with Wonder Wheelers, try out trikes, personalise their bikes and enjoy a variety of cycling-themed activities suitable for all ages.
Barrow's Big Bike Week aims to encourage more people to travel actively, improve their wellbeing and experience the freedom and enjoyment that cycling can bring. From novice riders to seasoned cyclists, everyone is invited to take part in this exciting celebration of cycling.
Follow the links below to book your free place. Places are limited at some activities so please only book a place if you intend to come along.
10am-2pm: Barrow on Bikes Workshop - part of the Birthday Celebrations at Abbotsvale Community Centre and Oasis.
10am. Children's Cycle Confidence Session - Learn to Ride. Furness Academy LA13 9BB
11:30am. Children's Cycle Confidence Session - Bikeability Level 1. Furness Academy LA13 9BB
11am - 5pm. Free Family Fun Day, Park Vale, Walney LA14 3XY with Barrow on Bikes. Mountain bike/ramp sessions (booking essential links below), 1pm-5pm Gearing Up Ride & Belong Club - open session to try out balance bikes, trikes, regular bikes, electric bikes. 1pm-3pm meet the Wonder Wheelers - try out whacky bikes, penny farthings, tiny bikes and much more. Guided ride to Earnse Bay - more details coming soon.
11am Mountain Bike Skills for ages 6-10 (Blue Group). Park Vale Walney LA14 3XY
12:30pm Mountain Bike Skills for ages 10-16 (Red Group). Park Vale, Walney LA14 3XY
10am - 2pm Barrow's Big Bike Week Grand Finale! Free Family Fun Day at Furness Academy LA13 9BB.
Trike trials - your chance to experience cycling on 3 wheels! Brompton tasters - an opportunity to learn how to use a foldable bike. Wonder wheelers - experience the wonderful and whacky from the world's smallest bike to penny farthings to unicycles.Kit Swap - your chance to trade your old sports kit for new courtesy of New Balance. And more!
If you have any questions about Barrow's Big Bike Week please get in touch with the Travel Actively Barrow team by e-mail to rebecca.shuttleworth@cumberland.gov.uk or call 07586 022063.