Novice and nervous cyclists and those with disabilities or regaining fitness are being offered the unique chance to cycle on closed roads as part of a major event.

Bike 4 Life, the initiative run by Manx Sport and Recreation (MSR) to encourage people to take up cycling, has teamed up with Isle of Man Cyclefest for a special, one-off event.

On Friday 12th May, as part of Cyclefest Community Day, non-competitive cyclists can ride a 0.3 mile course around Ramsey town centre.

Ari Brooks, Sports Development Officer with MSR, said: ‘This is a unique opportunity for ordinary cyclists to ride through our streets without being alongside traffic and to participate in a major sporting event.

‘The session is designed for novice and nervous cyclists, those recovering from illness, those with special educational needs or disabilities or individuals simply trying to get fitter.

‘Participants can use their own bikes if they wish to but Bike 4 Life will provide a number of specially adapted cycles, including tandems, trikes, special needs bikes, hand cycles, bikes adapted for wheelchair users, quad bikes and mountain bikes for anyone who wants to have a go.’

The event runs from 12-4pm and those taking part can complete as many laps as they wish to.

To take part, visit www.gov.im/bike4life, download an application form and return it or simply turn up on the day to Ramsey Courthouse and look for the Bike 4 Life signing-on point.

Bike 4 Life sessions take place every Tuesday from 1pm to 6pm at the National Sports Centre raceway until 29th August. It costs ?2 per session to take part plus ?2 to hire a bike, if required.

There are no sessions during TT fortnight.

For more information about Bike 4 Life, contact Ari Brooks on 688575 or email Ari.Brooks@gov.im.

Isle of Man Cyclefest is presented by the Isle of Man Bank.

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