People of all ages and abilities are invited to learn more about cycling at the National Sports Centre (NSC) on Friday, July 30.

The open afternoon, supported by Tower Insurance and Cycle 360, is part of Manx Sport and Recreation’s (MSR) Bike 4 Life scheme.

The free session will see qualified instructors from MSR and the police’s road safety team.

They will help people who are new to cycling, low on confidence or want to brush up their bike skills in a safe environment.

A range of mountain bikes, tandems and hand cycles will be available and helmets can be provided for the session at the NSC raceway between midday and 3pm.

Instructors will put on activities and challenges to make learning fun and interactive and Cycle 360 will showcase bikes and offer advice.

Zoe Crowe, disability sports development officer, said: ’The aim of Bike 4 Life is to encourage and inspire people to take up cycling and embrace a healthier lifestyle, which is part of the government’s wider active travel strategy’.

’The scheme offers a fun, safe and fully inclusive cycling environment for those riders who want to gain more confidence whilst socialising with family and friends.’

Dr Alex Allinson MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said: ’The Bike 4 Life scheme is a great way to learn a new skill, get more active and meet new people. You don’t need to be the next Mark Cavendish to get on one of these bikes and get the support you need to take up cycling.’

Following the open day regular sessions will be held each Friday until October for those who want to continue with family sessions in the morning and open sessions in the afternoon.