A LARGE group of cyclists gathered in Guildhall Square to join the Mayor's Annual Ride.
The ride, organised by the Cycling Opportunities Group for Salisbury (COGS), took place on Sunday, September 28, at 2.30 pm.
This year's event was notably well attended, with many families, including small children, participating.
Some children rode along on their parents' bikes, while others cycled independently.
Councillor John Wells, the Mayor of Salisbury, and his wife Jo, also participated in the group ride.
They were joined by several Salisbury City councillors, including Al Bayliss, Jeremy Nettle, Richard Johnson, Phil Beavan, Sam Foster, and Chris Taylor.
This demonstrated a concerted effort by the council to promote sustainable and active travel in and around the city.
The ride followed a short route around the Market Square, New Canal, and the new cycling facilities in the central car park.
The flat terrain of Salisbury showcased the accessibility of cycling for all, including a COGS member with disabilities who participated on an adapted trike.
Councillor Wells said: "I certainly enjoyed my short ride around the city, and being part of such a large group gave me the confidence to venture out amongst the traffic and other road users.
"The event was clearly a success in promoting cycling.
"The COGS members are a sociable, friendly and welcoming group, and it was a great opportunity for me to chat to a diverse group of local residents about all kinds of things, including their experiences of cycling in the city, walking routes, and Wiltshire Community Transport."
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Rob Jacobs, chair of COGS, said: "We were very happy with such a large turnout with people showing their support, especially our local councillors and their family members who took the opportunity at the end of the ride to chat about cycling issues in and around Salisbury.
"The aim of the Mayor's ride was to highlight the need to encourage active travel, be it walking, wheeling or cycling, to help resolve the city’s traffic issues."
COGS will be making a contribution to support the Mayor and his charity, Alabaré, which provides accommodation and support to disadvantaged and vulnerable people.
This year's Mayor's Ride was hailed a success, not only for the large turnout and enthusiastic participation, but also for the message it sends about the importance of active travel in tackling Salisbury's traffic problems.
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