B&NES Council, SUSTRANS and the Lottery have provided millions of pounds to create traffic-free cycle routes throughout the district. One of the best cyclepaths runs from outside Radstock to Great Elm, two miles from Frome.

The route is well engineered and tarmacked. It has only one short steep hill and is over five miles long. Most importanly, for novices and youngsters, it is completely traffic free. It traverses beautiful countryside and provides direct access to Kilmersdon and comes within a mile of Mells (then via a local lane to the village).

It is proving popular with those in the know.

It is meant to come to a junction with the route to Bath in the centre of Radstock. The Bath route is being transformed by the Two Tunnels project, which will slash the distance into Bath by following the route of the former Somerset and Dorset railway line through two tunnels into Bath at a cost of several million pounds.

B&NES Council and local health experts recognise the importance of cycling (see below).

In Radstock, the direct, traffic free link to the cyclepath to Great Elm has been barricaded off by NRR for years. There are no dates for a start of work on NRR land. B&NES is supposed to start work on road alterations in central Radstock soon, they could easily put a temporary hardcore link through the NRR land to the start of the cyclepath at the same time, but that would require the co-operation of NRR, something which seems to be in short supply.

Free adult cycle lessons – available now

Inspired by the Team GB Olympic Cycling Team? Now is your chance to improve your cycling skills through free, adult cycle training funded by Bath and North East Somerset Council, NHS Bath and North East Somerset and provided by Cycling Instructor.

The training is available for people who live, work, or study in the district. Approximately 120 spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis for a free, two-hour session. Lessons take place seven days a week.

Cllr Roger Symonds (Lib-Dem, Combe Down), Cabinet Member for Transport, said, "Using a bicycle is one of the best methods of sustainable travel for people to adopt. Bath and North East Somerset Council is working with our partners to offer these adult cycling lessons that will encourage people to think differently about how they travel and support them to make choices that promote easier travel with reduced traffic congestion and pollution."

The sessions can cover the complete beginner, help people to ride confidently and safely with their children, and support commuters to tackle busier roads and junctions.

Paul Lowe, Director of Cycling Instructor Ltd, said, "The sessions are taken by a qualified Bikeability Instructor and are suitable for people of all standards. Cycling is not only fun, but people can reduce their carbon footprint at the same time."

Denise Burton, Assistant Director – Health Improvement at NHS B&NES, added, "It's a low-impact type of exercise, so it is easier on your joints than running or other high-impact aerobic activities. But it still helps you get into shape.

"For example, someone who weighs around thirteen stone will burn around 650 calories with an hour's riding and tone their legs and bottom. If you ride up hills or off-road, you will also work your upper body."

After people have booked, the Instructor will contact them to arrange a mutually convenient time, date and location for the training. Book today via: Online: http://www.cyclinginstructor.com">www.cyclinginstructor.com

Call: 0845 6520421 or mail: [email protected]">[email protected]