IN a short space of time the Glencraig based Fife Cycle Track has shown how popular cycling is for people of all ages.

More than 5,000 people have used the facility since it opened in May, just north of Lochgelly High School, and circuit supervisor, Joe Fowkes, has plans in the pipeline to attract all community age groups to get involved.

He was delighted at the number of people who took part in the open day held at the track in October and he stressed that the £1m+ project is for use by all age groups and abilities.

Joe said: "We had 300 people taking part during the open day on October 20 and it was superb to see people getting on machines and having fun.

"The kids had a lot of fun but the adults also found themselves enjoying getting out on the track."

Joe stressed that the great thing about the Fife Cycle Track is it is a facility which is perfect for top level athletes to work on, and also people who want to learn.

"The track can be used by people of all age groups and abilities and it is ideal for families to come along and have fun on," he went on.

"Our main aim is to have the community very much part of the Fife Cycle Track with kids, mums, dads and grandparents cycling.

"Cycling is an activity that can help greatly with people's health and wellbeing and we want everyone to realise what they could achieve at the track."

And the pricing structure means that people can enjoy having fun at a very reasonable cost.

Hiring an adult bike is £2.50 for a pay to pedal session and it is £1 for a child's bike so a family could enjoy a fun session at the track for under a tenner.

There is also a small kiddies area where youngsters can learn to cycle at a very tender age on specially set up small bikes.

Joe also added that while the cycle track is something that people can enjoy the big pavilion has facilities that people can relax in after a session out on the track.

It has a spacious kitchen, a large lounge and meeting rooms.

He said: "The pavilion is something that people can hire also for meetings or social occasions, such as birthday parties, so really the Fife Cycle Track and pavilion is there for everyone to enjoy."

The longer hours of darkness are not a problem for the FCT with an excellent floodlighting system making it usable at any time.

Concluded the circuit supervisor: "The lighting system is of the highest standard so people can enjoy cycling all the year round.

"The Fife Cycle Track is part of the community of the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area and we want people to feel at home here."