Free family cycling advice on offer at Portsmouth Park

Families in Portsmouth are now able to benefit from free tips on cycling at the South Coast city’s Victoria Park under a new council initiative called Cycle Sundays.

Portsmouth City Council is providing professional cycling guides at the park each Sunday from 10am to 1pm, who will be giving hints and advice on everything from new cycling routes to bike safety, as well as providing free checks on bicycles.

The council’s sustainable transport officer, Jane Rodgers, told The Portsmouth News: “Cycling with your family is a great way of spending time together and helping everyone to be active and look after their health.”

She added: “All you have to do is turn up and we can give you tips on getting started, or iron out any problems you might have. We can even teach children to cycle. Even if you don't have a bike, you can find out how to recycle one for free and get cycling.”

The initiative forms part of the Healthy Pompey project, which falls under the nationwide Change4Life campaign, encouraging fitter lifestyles and eating more healthily. The scheme, which is funded by central government, is run by Portsmouth NHS and the city council, and further details are available online or by calling (023) 9283 4590.