Family Fun 'Pedal Power' is Coming to Ivybridge

An exciting free, fun-filled cycle activity day for the whole family is being held in Ivybridge on Saturday 1 July.

We are hosting this event to launch our strategic cycling future for the area. It includes an award-winning, pop-up velodrome cycling track for all ages, full of atmosphere with live music, a selection of delicious local food and drink and many other activities to keep everyone entertained and fed.

With two dramatically banked corners that allow riders to experience the thrill of Olympic-style cycle track racing, the velodrome is suitable for anyone from beginners on balance bikes all the way to elite riders. Even better, bikes are provided too!

If that's not enough, there are guided bike rides for the whole family around beautiful Ivybridge and into the surrounding areas; adult cycle confidence sessions if you need some support to get back in the saddle and skateboarding coaching sessions to get you rolling!

For the younger members of the family or those who haven't quite managed those pesky pedals there is space for them to practice. Pop along to the Leisure Centre and our partner, Fusion Lifestyle, have some great activities on offer during the day. You can enjoy an alfresco spinning session or have a swim in the amazing open-top pool (weather permitting) where the children can swim free with a paying adult.

If you need some nourishment throughout the day, there will be some fantastic local food and drink stalls available and some wonderful local bands to entertain you in the afternoon. 

If you're passionate about cycling, wheeling and walking, then have your say on the future of active travel in the South Hams by helping to develop routes that best suit your community. Stop by and have a chat with our team to share your thoughts.

Cllr John Birch, our Executive Member for Economy, said: "This is the first event of its kind and we're sure it's going to be fantastic. Cycling is such a great sport for health and wellbeing, and it stands for everything positive about sustainable travel.

"This event will launch our future cycling strategy for the district. We hope to raise awareness about this with our residents and give them the opportunity to have their say on the future of our cycling networks to aid commuting and active travel."

Cllr Victor Abbott, our Executive Member for Leisure and Ward Member for Ivybridge East & Ugborough, said:  "It's going to be a brilliant day out and a lot of fun.  We hope to draw visitors from across South Hams to enjoy the velodrome, a smoothie or simply to enjoy a bit of live music and local produce.

"Thanks go to our sponsors for this event; Ivybridge Town Council for funding and organising the day's music entertainment, Dartmoor National Park for sponsoring the family rides and free on-site bike mechanic, Skate South Devon for the skateboard coaching, Active Devon for the adult cycle confidence sessions and Sustrans volunteers for supporting the guided rides. They have contributed to what is sure to be a great event for the whole family." 

Jonathan Parson, Ivybridge Town Council's Town Clerk, said: "Ivybridge is a very active town and the Town Council has been working with partners for several years such as PL:21, Sustrans, and others, to develop some exciting projects to make walking and cycling easier and more accessible across the town. 

"We are really excited to be working with South Hams District Council on this fun free event to celebrate cycling, and also to help start the development of the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan."

If 'Pedal Power' sounds like a great day out for all the family, then pop along to Ivybridge's Leonard Road car park on Saturday 1 July, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. 

For more information about the event, go to: www.southhams.gov.uk/pedal-power