Despite the great British weather starting off rather wet and drizzly on Sunday (29th September), the sunshine eventually came through to help make the second closed road cycling event in Bury St Edmunds a success.
There were almost 600 people who signed up for this years event, an increase of 20% on last year.
Participants of all ages and abilities were provided with high-vis vests and volunteer marshals along the 1.1mile loop around the town, meant that participants were given a safe, rewarding way to take in some of the town’s amazing array of famous landmarks and renowned architecture, without a car in sight.
The event, organised by Abbeycroft Leisure and funded by Bury St Edmunds Town Council, was officially started by the Mayor of Bury St Edmunds, Councillor Peter Thompson.
Councillor Thompson said,
“The Town Council was delighted to support Bury Goes Biking again this year and it was great to see so many people, young and old, enjoying a traffic-free cycle around the Town. The volunteers were outstanding, and without them, events like this wouldn’t happen. Well done to all involved including the cyclists for taking part.”
Alison Blackwell, Abbeycroft’s development director said,
“We were incredibly pleased with the turn out for this event, especially as the start of the day was very wet, but all the riders seemed to really enjoy themselves. We are always very proud to deliver mass participation events such as this, as it gives the whole community an opportunity to do something active and healthy.”
The event was also supported by West Suffolk Council and the charity partner was St Nicholas Hospice Care.
Cllr Jo Rayner, West Suffolk Council Cabinet member for Leisure, Culture and Community Hubs said,
“This is a special day in the year for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Equally it reminds us there are active alternatives for short journeys around town that will improve our own health, other residents’ health and that of the planet. I hope that the opportunity to gain confidence in a traffic free environment will encourage more of us to try it, and to be more aware of cyclists and pedestrians when we are driving.”
George Chilvers, community fundraising manager at the Hospice said,
“Bury Goes Biking is a wonderful event for the whole community and it was so nice to see so many people of all ages and abilities taking part. We are so grateful for the donations we received on the day and the Sponsorship money people have raised, all of which will go towards helping support those in our care throughout West Suffolk”
Scroll through our Gallery from 2019 Bury goes Biking
