Bath continued its passion for cycling today with the opening of the city's new cycling circuit.
The 1.5km Closed Road Cycling Circuit at Odd Down Playing Fields will enable enthusiasts to train and enjoy cycling without having to negotiate Bath's busy roads.
The circuit was built by Bath and North East Somerset Council thanks to a £600,000 grant from British Cycling, and is one of only 17 specific closed road cycling circuits in England.
The circuit was opened by Bath MP Don Foster and chairman of B&NES Council Councillor Rob Appleyard, who were joined on a first cycle around the circuit by school children and local cyclists.
The authority has worked with the three main cycling clubs in the district - Bath Cycling Club, Velo Club Walcot and Somer Cycling Club - to set up a new Youth Cycling Alliance for the circuit to encourage a new generation of cyclists. The new youth group has been named Sulis Scorpions.
Emma Gage, from Trowbridge, attended the opening with husband Justin and children Maia, eight, and six-year-old Arthur.
Mrs Gage said: "We're really excited about it. As a family we are keen cyclists. We are really looking forward to our children doing the children's training on a Saturday morning."
Maia added: "It's nice to have somewhere I can ride that's not on the road. It will be safer for me."
Sophie Taylor, 14 from Keynsham, was at the opening with team mates from the Bristol Cycling Development Scheme.
She said: "It will be great to have it. We don't have anything like this at the moment to train on."
Richard Grigsby from Bath Cycling Club said: "It's absolutely brilliant because we need somewhere safe for people to come and ride somewhere there isn't cars parked all around."
Bath Cycling Club will be running training sessions on a Thursday evening for adults and on a Saturday morning for children.
Regional events organiser from British Cycling, Grant Bayton, said the new circuit and popularity of cycling in Bath was an example of the country's Olympic legacy and the impact of Bradley Wiggins winning the Tour de France last year.
He said: "In the last year our membership has increased from 43,000 to over 70,000. In 12 months that is a phenomenal increase.
"This is the first circuit of its kind in the south, there was a clear demand for it in the area and the council was enthusiastic about the project."
Mr Foster added: "Three weeks ago I was at the opening of the Two Tunnels now I'm opening this fantastic cycling facility in Odd Down. This is great for getting Bath fit, great for having fun and great for persuading people to get out of their cars, which will reduce pollution and congestion in the city."
The new circuit is being marketed as an organised sporting facility and does not have open access for the public. Individuals and groups wanting to use it need to book specific time slots.
Jez Ash and his wife Fernanda, from Odd Down, were at the opening.
Mr Ash, who is a member of Bath Cycling Club, said: "It's just really nice to have a space where we can do training off the road and not have to worry about traffic. I'm also looking forward to the racing that will take place."
He added: "I think it's a shame it's not open access. As someone who lives locally it would be nice to come early morning, when it's not booked and do some training."
Daniel Lunnon, a member of Velo Club Walcot cycling club, said: "This is a great sports facility for cyclists. It's somewhere people can come and bring their families and be safe."
The circuit is the first phase of development at the Odd Down Playing Fields, which will also include a new 3G Astro Pitch, improved pitches and new changing rooms.
