There's a cycling festival happening in Belfast this June -

There will be bikes of all shapes and sizes to test ride on the day including tandems, cargo bikes, scooters, balance bikes and adapted bikes for those with special needs.

There's a cycling festival happening in Belfast this summer.

The first ever festival dedicated to all things cycling is happening in Belfast on Saturday, June 16.

Belcycle is a family-friendly festival taking place under the watchful eye of Aslan the lion at CS Lewis Square in East Belfast .

There will be bikes of all shapes and sizes to test ride on the day including tandems, cargo bikes, scooters, balance bikes and adapted bikes for those with special needs.

Pick up advice and tips from local cycling retailers on bikes, clothing and accessories, as well as information on cycling adventures, holidays, clubs and events.

Gordon Clarke, Sustrans Northern Ireland Director said: "Sustrans is all about encouraging everyday cycling and so we are delighted to organise this festival – the first of its kind in Northern Ireland. We know it’s going to be a lot of fun for all the family but we also hope it will challenge people’s perception of what cycling is and encourage them into the saddle.

"We know that 54% of Belfast residents would either like to start riding a bike or ride their bike more. The main motivation for people is to improve their health but people quickly find cycling is convenient, cheap and an enjoyable way to get about."

CS Lewis Square is the ideal location for the festival being where the Comber and Connswater Community Greenways intersect. The square is also home to Sustrans Active Travel Hub an EU-funded CHIPS project that encourages commuters in East Belfast to try alternatives to the car such as public transport, or cycling and walking. Sustrans will be on hand to offer travel advice, route planning, cycle training and pedal powered activities such as a bike smoothie maker and paint spinner.

There will be bike maintenance workshops & demos, as well as PSNI bike security advice and tagging on the day. There will also be food and refreshments, as well as live entertainment, music and competitions to keep the whole family entertained.

Michele Bryans, Connswater Community Greenway Trust Manager said: "We are delighted to host the first cycling festival at C.S. Lewis Square where both the Connswater Community Greenway and Comber Greenways meet. The Greenways provide an accessible, safe, traffic-free route for pedestrians and cyclists to explore and enjoy. We hope ‘Belcycle’ will encourage local people and visitors to cycle together and provide opportunities to explore the city."

Belcycle will run from 11am to 4pm on Saturday, June 16, at CS Lewis Square. There will be provision of on-site cycle parking so you can come by bike and it is well connected to the city centre by bus from the nearby Newtownards Road. For more updates to go www.sustrans.org.uk .

Source: Belfastlive