A CYCLING scheme aims to reduce traffic in a town through free bike lessons, cycling festivals and a cycle map.

Environmental Great Harwood Prospects Panel has launched a new initiative for the town encouraging people who don’t cycle to get on their bikes.

The scheme has been kick started by the panel’s chairman Barbara Sharples, who got back in the saddle for the first time in nearly 50 years.

The 63-year-old grandma-of-two had her first two hour cycling lesson to inspire others.

She said: “I don’t want people feeling that bikes are only for people who ride for hundreds of miles on dirt tracks. I haven’t been on a bike since I was at school and if I can do it, anyone can.

“There’s lots of people who have never ridden one and wouldn’t know how to start. Then there’s people who just haven’t been on one in years or think they aren’t fit enough.

“But we think that with guidance, proper cycle maps and some lessons, there’s no stopping you.”

The Panel is working with CTC, the national cycling charity, and officers at Lancashire County Council to kickstart the project.

It is aimed at people of all ages who have never ridden a bike, haven’t ridden for years, feel unsafe cycling on roads or just want to try a bike.

Barbara added: “The aim is to develop new cycle rides from Great Harwood with some linked to the existing cycle route on the old railway line, provide bike health checks and maintenance sessions, family bike rides, led bike rides, ladies bike rides and put on ‘try a bike’ events.

“The borough has a growing network of off-road cycle routes based on the canal and Hyndburn Greenway but we want to provide something more for local people as there is only one cycle ride in Great Harwood and we want to help more people get into cycling and reduce the number of car journeys they make.”

To book a free cycling lesson call 01282 787464 for free sessions organised by GoVelo and Lancashire County Council.

The panel, who are planning upcoming events, are also currently applying for more funding to produce a Great Harwood cycle booklet or map.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the project can contact Barbara via email at gthprospectspanel@mail.com or telephone 07599 106670.