WOW arrives in Withernsea
As part of the Blue Doors bike library project, which is co-funded through the Bicycles and Intelligent Transport Systems (BITS) project by the North Sea Region (NSR) Programme, the South Holderness Resource Centre (SHoRes) hosted a ‘Withernsea on Wheels’ (WOW) weekend - a two-day cycle festival on 28th & 29th May 2022, held in Withernsea to celebrate all things cycling.
Over 2000 visitors took part in the first-ever two-day cycle event. The festival was predominantly based at Valley Gardens in Withernsea with additional activities taking place on the promenade and at the Hut. Along with the North Sea Region Programme, the event was supported by Yorkshire Coast Bid, SHoRes, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Active Withernsea.
Visitors watched world champion BMX display team riders carrying out amazing stunts, cycle on a pump track, ride KMX Karts, use a pedal powered skaletrix and try some weird and wonderful bikes. The Red Sparrows unicycle display team also provided some light-hearted entertainment and visitors could make their own smoothies, using the smoothie bike.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Road Safety team were present to give cycle safety advice, and offer free bike lights and guided cycle rides.
The Blue Doors cycle library was open throughout the weekend for those residents in Withernsea who wanted to find out more about the scheme and were interested in signing up for a free library bicycle. Re-conditioned bikes were also available to buy at low cost.
One of the event’s supporters, Yorkshire Coast Bid, were present during the weekend to promote the launch of Route YC cycle way.
Jayne Nendick, CEO of SHoRes, said: “As part of the BITS project and bike library, we are proud to organise the very first WOW weekend. We hope this will be the first of many annual two-day cycling festivals in Withernsea.
“We celebrated all things cycling, combining with music, food, entertainment, games and more. There has been something for everyone to see and try out. It’s been a ‘wheelie’ good weekend. Feedback from visitors has been extremely positive with people saying how much fun they’ve had this weekend and are already asking when the next event is.”
Due to the success of this event, East Riding of Yorkshire Council has committed to funding this event for a further two years.
For more information on the SHoRes Bike Library please contact 01964 615190 or email info@shores.org.uk