Cycling events to be held in Ballyclare

The events will take place in the town from Friday, June 17 until Sunday 19. Tourism NI has provided funding of £15,000 while Ballyclare Town Team has committed £10,000 towards the events on Saturday, June 18. It’s hoped this funding will provide activities that will increase footfall for traders. In addition an application has been made to DRD Travelwise to run a number of cycling safety initiatives.

The events are set to run over the three days from 10am until 6pm daily. The programme starts with the StreetVelodrome being available on the Friday for school groups and the Special Olympics Club. On June 18 the StreetVelodrome will be open to the public who can enter a draw to participate. Other activities include, a number of urban sports demonstrations, a ‘bling your bike’ session, bike training, an obstacle course, bike maintenance, led bike rides, BMX skills coaching, as well as activities for all the family including inflatables, face painting, arts and crafts and balloon modelling. There will also be musical entertainment throughout the day.

On June 19 the official round of the UK StreetVelodrome takes place. Amateur riders will enter a draw to compete, alongside professional riders. The winner will participate in the final at Buckingham Palace in July. This will be televised and the Mayor will present prizes. Other events taking place include the Kings Moss and Kilbride Cycle Club joint ride. This will depart and return to the town centre. A slow bike ride and a number of family cycling initiatives will be held from 10am until 11.30am in Asda car park. Cycling safety initiatives (in conjunction with PCSP) will also be held. The Sixmile Leisure Centre car park will be closed from 6pm on June 16 until midnight on June 19. Free parking will be offered in Harrier Way car park and The Square car park from June 17-19.

The schedule was approved by the Community Planning and Regeneration Committee at their meeting at Mossley Mill on Monday, May 9.

Welcoming the programme, DUP Cllr Tim Girvan said: “I’m looking forward to the events and I hope the weekend is a great success.”