A series of led cycle rides start in Cupar this week to help people get back in the saddle. The first ride will take place on Sunday 8 April at 10am and will start from the bandstand in Haugh Park.

CycleStart is an initiative new to Cupar, supported by Fife Council and local volunteer cyclists. It’s an ideal way for beginners to get into cycling, or for people who haven’t been on a bike in a while to gain confidence and meet others getting back into it. The rides are all around five miles long and are led by a trained Ride Leader. They’re free, open to everyone aged 10-100 (10-17 year-olds need to be accompanied by an adult), and will be regular to allow you to build up experience, fitness and confidence. The only requirement is that you can ride a bike and have one to bring along. Once you’ve registered and taken part in your first ride you can come along to further rides whenever you like.

The rides will all start at either 10am or 13.30pm from the bandstand in Haugh Park and will be at a relaxed, leisurely pace taking around an hour. People attending their first session are asked to come along 15 minutes early so that the Ride Leader can check their bike is roadworthy. Rides will take place on the following days:

• Sunday 8 April at 10am
• Saturday 21 April at 10am
• Sunday 29 April at 10am
• Saturday 5 May at 10am
• Sunday 13 May at 10am
• Sunday 20 May at 10am
• Saturday 26 May at 1.30pm
• Sunday 3 June at 10am
• Saturday 9 June at 1.30pm

Ride Leaders will help you with your basic riding skills, particularly with safety in riding with a group, and awareness of other road/track users.

Up-to-date details of future rides can be found on the CycleStart website at www.fifedirect.org.uk/CycleStart. You can download the registration details from the website, fill it in and bring it along to your first ride.

CycleStart is currently up and running in Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy and the Cupar launch is this weekend. It will gradually be rolled out in other locations throughout Fife – keep an eye on the website for details. There are also opportunities for more experienced cyclists to become Ride Leaders, and to set up CycleStart rides in new locations.

Service Manager for Transport Networks & Travel Choices, Dave Frew, commented: “We already know from our surveys that over half of all trips by residents of Cupar are to destinations within the town. We’re keen to encourage everyone to give walking or cycling a try for short journeys, and hope anyone who is interested in getting back into cycling will come along to the CycleStart rides. If lots of people made the change it would lead to real improvements for Cupar’s roads and air quality. ”