SEVENTY cyclists from five years old to 84 years young turned out for the first Streets Alive community cycle ride.

The ride, organised by Dorchester Transport Action Group, on Sunday, 13 July, was deemed a great success.

Mayor of Dorchester, Cllr Andy Canning, waved off the cyclists saying, "Great to see so many people here. It shows the importance of cycling and getting round town without having to rely on the car."

Giles Watts, Secretary of Dorchester Transport Action Group, explained: "The idea of the community cycle was to have fun, enjoy being out and about on a bicycle and appreciate the health benefits. As well as promoting the need for improvements to safe cycling routes in and around Dorchester.

"Lots of the younger riders said how great it would be if there could be proper cycle routes for them to use.

"A good start would be to have a route from Poundbury into the town centre. So that's why we chose the community ride route we did as it partly followed the cycle route that is being campaigned for."

As well as the ride for adults and confident younger riders, there was a short ride for very young children that kept off the roads and just went round the Great Field. Stewart Palmer, Chair of Dorchester Transport Action Group, led their ride and about 20 young riders took part.

When all the riders had returned they were rewarded with some yummy chocolate bars kindly donated by the House of Dorchester chocolate factory. All the younger riders were also given free Hi-Viz jackets and fluorescent wrist slap bands for them to use when they are out riding.

Cllr David Leaper, Poundbury Ward, joined in the ride and at the end summed it all up saying: "It was a great event which you must do again".

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Dorchester Transport Action Group is a discussion and campaign group for residents who feel strongly about the need to improve the transport infrastructure for everybody, including people who walk, cycle and ride as well as car, bus and train users, to become involved in acting as agents for change going forward. To learn more visit: http://www.dorchestertransport.org.uk/

You can email the group at: [email protected]