THE Glencraig Fife Cycle Park has enjoyed its first summer with around 5,000 cyclists taking to the circuit since opening in May.

As Scotland’s first cycle circuit, the facility, just north of Lochgelly High School, is already a training home for local clubs and is attracting its fair share of prestigious events and races too.

As well as a range of club and crit races, the park also hosted to this year’s Scottish Cycling National Championships.

But it’s not all about the keen cyclists! Many people have discovered, or rediscovered, their love of cycling.

Lots of children have taken their first pedal strokes at Fife Cycle Park over the summer as well as adults returning thanks to this traffic free circuit.

Cllr Judy Hamilton, convener of the Community & Housing Services Committee said: “Some of the best feedback so far has been from youngsters learning to ride a bike and adults getting back in the saddle and regaining their confidence.

“Learning to ride a bike is an opportunity that everyone should have access to and although Fife Cycle Park may only have been open for a few months, it is already demonstrating that by removing some of the basic barriers to cycling people are embracing the activity.

“It’s important that we invest in community facilities like this, offering people the chance to access affordable, good quality facilities that make it easier for them to be regularly physically active. The associated long-term health and wellbeing gains for people and local communities can’t be underestimated, especially in areas where we know that health inequalities exist.”

Team Manager, Sarah Roxburgh, added: "Coaching programmes at the Cycle Park will continue to develop but it’s encouraging to see individuals and community groups already making use of the facility’s classes as well as the drop-in public sessions. "Of course, we’re also delighted to see clubs booking out the facility for their training every week. Their support contributes greatly towards the sustainability of the Park.”

There have been some unexpected bookings too. The team have been excited to welcome roller ski-ing training (the summer version of cross country ski-ing) as well as hosting a few roller discos along the way!

Time to get back in the saddle? Why not go along to the free Family Fun Day on Saturday October 20? You will have the opportunity to cycle on your own bike or borrow one from the Park, join one of the taster sessions, have a shot of the obstacle course and enjoy free refreshments and goodies. There’s no need to book, just turn up.

Visit cyclepark.fife.scot to plan your visit to Scotland’s first cycle circuit.