OTLEY'S first Cycling Family Fun Day has been hailed a "terrific success".

Garnett's Field was transformed into a family fun cycling stage on Sunday with a twisting and turning skills course for children, including a couple of steep rises for an extra challenge. A separate flat area was provided for adults where they could try out an E bike from Chevin Cycles or one of two cargo bikes brought along by Ilkley Climate Action. Cargo bikes can be hired at https://cb.climateactionilkley.org.uk/.

When younger children wanted a break from cycling, they were able to have a creative time in the sticker art gazebo. Adults could look around the stalls provided by Otley 2030 and Friends of Wharfedale Greenway while members of the Otley Cycling Club led a group ride highlighting the quieter and safer roads in the town.

The event was organised by Otley Town Council with support from partners Otley Cycling Club and Chevin Cycles.

Town councillor Mick Bradley, who led in organising the event, said: "The good attendance showed that families want safe places for their children to become confident cyclists. I was surprised and delighted how many young children came along with their parents on push bikes, balance bikes and a scooter or two. I want to thank Otley Cycling Club, Chevin Cycles, Otley 2030, Ilkley Climate Action, fellow councillors and other volunteer stewards who supported the event. I’m very hopeful that the event will become a regular feature in the annual Otley festivals calendar.”

Chair of Otley town council trade and tourism Paul Carter added: “The inaugural Otley Cycling Family Fun day was a terrific success, and we look forward to it becoming a regular event in the town’s festival calendar. Along with residents of Otley, we met families who came from as far away as Skipton and Harrogate to attend and we should all thank Cllr Bradley, Tom Shortall from Otley Town Council and the many other volunteers who gave their time to make this such an enjoyable occasion.”

The event supports the ambitions of the town council Street Vision 2030 project to encourage more walking and cycling in the town on safer, healthier streets with cleaner air.

Local schools are currently hosting bike repair workshops. A two day bike skills summer school for children from five upwards is being finalised for July 26 and 27 in the grounds of Prince Henry’s Grammar School. Details will follow shortly.