Embracing the annual Day of the Bike an estimated 450 local residents took part in a special cycle ride yesterday - despite the rather overcast skies, to mark the occasion. The Council is trying to encourage people to get healthy and use more environmentally friendly modes of transport – in fact, even the Mayor got on his bike!
I managed to catch up with him at the Trinquet – the half way point as he pulled in with his son for a rest and drink upon a Bicidorm bike.
Bicidorm is the bike rental service available in the town with a stock of over 250 units, with collection points all around. A fairly recent one is opposite Tiki City on Calle Gerona – not too sure how many would be sober enough to use one at the end of the night though but they are an excellent alternative way to get around.
All the riders set off from the Town Hall Square at 10:30am, the club cyclists at the front and families further back – it wasn´t a race and everyone more or less stayed together, with a few gaps here and there. One man even had a trailer attached to the back with his toddler snuggled up inside. The group headed towards Albir – starting down the main Avd Mediterraneo and almost followed the number 10 bus route.
Police motorbike riders stopped traffic along the route – to the frustration of some drivers, but the group passed fairly quickly. They managed to get to the half way point in under an hour and after a short break headed back the same way. None seemed to have given up - there was a support vehicle driving behind with a trailer incase anyone got too tired plus an ambulance.
Once back they all assembled at the stage where 15 gleaming new bikes where on display and ready to be won. All the participants filled out a card at the beginning to be included in the prize draw at the end. The entire event was free and sponsored by two local cycling clubs and Sport Zone – a sports shop chain. The Councillor for Sport, Juan Ramón Martinez was delighted with the turnout and hopes that it will encourage more to take 2 wheels instead of 4 where possible.
