Members of The Leighton Linslade Cycling Forum and South Beds Friends of the Earth got on their bikes to demonstrate the speed and ease that you can cross the east and south of the town on a bicycle using the dedicated cycle routes.

The ride started with a pedal along Riverside Walk and on to Stanbridge Road where it cuts through into Richmond Road and into Pages Park.

The cycle paths on Eden Way and Chartmoor Road took the riders to Black Bridge and Mentmore Road. This route is part of a contunuing plan of the Cycle Forum to provide a safe, quiet and fast route from the furthest end of Stanbridge road to Leighton railway station.

The ride went on to Tiddenfoot and back again to Billington Road before returning continued on to the town centre via Lake Street.

Cycling forum chairman, Esther Clarke, said: "The ride was a great opportunity for cyclists to discover some of the short-cuts and traffic free routes which our growing cycle network provides those of us who are looking for a real alternative to cars for journeys across town.

"The cycling forum owes thanks to South Beds Friends of the Earth, who acquired the Government grant which funded the recent network improvements, as well as to Bedfordshire Highways for achieving so much on the ground in such a short timescale.

"The work goes on for all of us as we work together to create a user-friendly network to serve all cyclists."

Barry Metcalfe, of both Leighton Linslade Cycle Forum and South Beds Foe, said: "Bedfordshire Highways are to be commended for providing these high class facilities in an innovative way, and in a very short time span"

The Leighton Linslade Cycling Forum can be contacted through www.llcyclingforum@ yahoogroups.co.uk and South Beds Friends of the Earth through www.southbedsfoe.co.uk.