Young people across Cranbrook have brought new meaning to the term ‘recycling’ by creating an eye-catching public art display from old bikes.
More than a dozen bikes have been painted, decorated and placed around the town – and now visitors are being challenged to find them all.
The 14 bikes have been decorated by members of the Cranbrook Youth Group, Youth Genesis and students from Cranbrook Education Campus and St Martins Primary School, with each bike painted in the colours of one of the competing teams. It comes as the town gears up for the Tour of Britain, which is hosting the start of its second stage next month.
Tania Beard, headteacher St Martins said: “The children really enjoyed decorating the bicycles and this event has got the children really excited about the Tour of Britain.
“I know many of them are planning to go and see the start of the race - such a fabulous thing to be happening in Cranbrook!”
The race will take place on Monday, September 3 and start in Cranbrook - the first time a national sporting event has come to the town. It covers 108 miles of countryside across East Devon, Mid Devon and North Devon and finishes in Barnstaple.
It is hosted by Devon County Council, supported by East Devon District Council and North Devon Council and working with Cranbrook Town Council and Barnstaple Town Council.
The network of bikes has been delivered by Sustrans and its Active Travel to Schools project which works with teachers, parents and governors to encourage pupils and their families to cycle, scoot and walk to and from school. The project is funded by Devon County Council as part of the Access Fund.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for cycling said: “The bikes look fantastic and I want to thank all the young people for the hard work they have put in.
“It’s great that the Tour of Britain is inspiring so many young people to saddle up and start cycling.
“On race day this town is going to be buzzing and I’m sure that some of Britain’s future cycling star live and go to school here in Cranbrook!”
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