Organisers pedal hard for cycle festival

It will take place in Rowntree Park on Saturday and Sunday September 11 and 12 and is free of charge.

The Festival will offer a diverse range of cycling-related attractions and activities – with something to interest people of all ages and levels of cycling ability, the organisers claim.

Visitors will also get the opportunity to see dare-devil performances by a top bicycle stunt display team, as well as trying out a pedal-powered Scalextric racing game, competing in a "BMX jam" for local riders or taking advantage of "bike doctor" sessions that lets cyclists take along their own bikes for help and advice on basic care, repairs and maintenance.

Graham Titchener, programme manager for Cycling City York, said: "Last year's inaugural Festival of Cycling attracted almost 10,000 visitors of all ages and levels of cycling ability, which was just fantastic.

''In response to the many calls from members of the public who said they wanted to see this type of event again, we want to build on this success by making sure that this year's Festival is even bigger and better, and has plenty to appeal to people of all ages.

"It promises to be a really fantastic couple of days out for all the family, so come along and be a part of Cycling City York.

"It doesn't matter whether you cycle regularly, you're completely new to cycling or just want to see what it's all about, you're sure to find plenty to inspire you, not to mention lots of useful information and advice."

Activities will start at 10.30am each day and the organisers say that even more details have been published online – at www.cyclingcityyork.org.uk.