ST ALBANS residents have the chance to get into gear at the Bike Try-Out Roadshow this weekend.

They can try out a variety of bicycles including recumbents, trailers and tandems as part of the annual St Albans Carnival festivities. The two-day roadshow will promote cycling for leisure, transport, health, happiness and the environment.

The event sponsored by St Albans District Council, St Albans Cycle Campaign (Stacc), Faber Maunsell engineering consultants, St Albans Round Table and the Local Agenda 21 team is a great way for cyclists to discover the full potential of pedal power, said Melvyn Teare, city centre manager.

On Sunday roadshow organisers The Company of Cyclists will provide around 40 conventional and specialised bikes for avid cyclists and would-be cyclists to try out in a carnival atmosphere.

In the Civic Square between 10am and 6pm, adults and children can saddle up on city bikes, folders, children's bikes, recumbents, trailers, child carriers and tandems.

There will also be cycles with child seats and trailers and an area outside Caf Nes for children to ride smaller bikes in safety. Country and western band Southern Cross and Bock the Clown will provide entertainment.

Mr Teare added: "My wife can't ride a bike so this will be a great opportunity for her to try out a number of different models. I've bought a new bike with a huge basket on the front so I will be joining her."

On Bank Holiday Monday, The Cycling Company will encourage people to lead the carnival procession on bicycles. The procession will assemble at 10am at Bernards Heath and is due to arrive at Westminster Lodge about 12.30pm.

Members of the Verulam Cycle Club, celebrating its 75th birthday, will ride vintage bikes in a different part of the procession. The show will continue at Westminster Lodge until 5pm.

August 20, 2002 09:30