A NEW festival has been launched to encourage and inspire Fifers to cycle.

Everyone is invited to We Love Cycling next weekend, with the event being held between Lochore Meadows and Fife Cycle Park.

The free fun day on Saturday, October 8, will include activities for children and adults to try, as well as performances from The Clan - Scotland's cycle stunt team.

Kirsteen Durkin, cycling development officer, said: “Bring your bike or borrow a bike. "And don’t worry if you’re a beginner or feel a bit rusty, this day was made with you in mind.

“People will be able to split their day between Lochore Meadows and Fife Cycle Park making use of the free shuttle buses, running between the two sites.

"All of the activities are free and there’s no need to book in advance.”

A marquee and surrounding activity will give it a festival feel with a vintage bike show, drop-in bike fix, eBikes and cargo bikes to try out, upcycled inexpensive bikes for sale and bike buying advice on hand.

Those in attendance can take part in mini mountain bike introductory courses around the Lochore trails; 5km flat leisure rides around the loch; play on the pump tracks and develop your skills, as well as an intro to Cyclocross and learn to ride drop-in sessions for children.

Bike checks will also be available alongside bike shop stalls, bike clubs, local produce and food vendors.

Fife Council's spokesperson for Communities and Leisure Cllr Linda Erskine added: “Everyone should have the opportunity to ride a bike.

"Exercise is so important for our health and wellbeing so we're especially keen to convince beginners to give cycling a go - it may just be the sport for them!

"The festival will offer fun, friendly opportunities to try out a range of cycling activities.

"It really is the perfect way to learn about and try out different types of cycling with friendly coaches on hand to offer advice and support.

"And for those who are already cyclists, it’s a great chance to progress your skills with experts there to guide you all the way.

“We have some great cycling resources in Fife – from Scotland’s first cycle circuit at Fife Cycle Park and local networks of shared use paths across the Kingdom to coaching sessions and opportunities for all abilities.

"We’re keen that as many children and adults as possible develop the skills and access the equipment to help them feel like part of Fife’s fantastic cycling community."

For more information on the festival, visit: www.fife.gov.uk/fifelovescycling

The event is being supported by EventScotland through the Community Cycling Fund, which is a joint initiative between the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, EventScotland and sportscotland.

It is being delivered by the Council’s Active Fife, Cycling Development and Outdoor Education teams with support from the staff at Fife Cycle Park, Lochore Meadows and Fife’s strong cycling community of clubs, volunteers, and businesses.