Our popular free cycling event returns to the Three Sisters Race Circuit in Ashton-in-Makerfield on Tuesday 7 May and Tuesday 23 July 2024.
Families from all across the borough are invited to come along and enjoy a whole host of bike-based activities on and off the track.
We have bikes available to borrow and ride around the course, balance bikes and cycle skills sessions for children, and Wheels For All adapted cycles for people with a range of disabilities.
You can also learn more about cycling and active travel from a variety of partner organisations present on the day.
What to expect
There will be a host of family-friendly activities including:
- Adult and children’s bikes and helmets available to borrow
- Balance bike track (ages 5 and under)
- Cycle skills for ages 6-12
- Wheels For All adapted cycles
- E-bikes
- Cycling stalls
- Climbing wall
- Face painting.
Watch our video for a taste of you can expect at Cycle Three Sisters.
We had a brilliant time at our two events in 2023:
- More than 1,300 people in attendance across two days
- 1,000+ cyclists accessing the main Three Sisters Circuit
- Approximately 8,500km cycled on the race track. That’s the equivalent of cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats and back 10 times!
- More than 100 children on our Balance Bike track
- More than 100 individuals receiving free bike checks and basic repairs from our ‘Dr Bike’ team
- ‘Wheels for All’ sessions for cyclists with a range of disabilities
- Go Ride ‘Learn to Ride’ sessions for young people new to cycling
- 15 partner organisations delivering and promoting a wide range of activities and services
- More than 60 super staff and volunteers helping to deliver both events!
Event times
The majority of our activities will be open from 3pm.
However, from 1:30pm to 2:45pm there will also be a dedicated opportunity for those with balance bikes, bikes with stabilisers and adapted bikes only to have a go on the main circuit.
Please note: Balance bikes, bikes with stabilisers and adapted bikes will not be permitted on the main circuit after 3pm. Dedicated areas of the venue have been set aside for these bikes for the remainder of the day.
The track will close at 8pm.
Track rules
To keep everyone safe on the track, the following track rules must be adhered to at all times:
- Helmets must be worn at all times
- Cyclists must not stop unnecessarily
- Cyclists must always cycle clockwise
- All bikes must be safety checked before being allowed on the track
- All incidents must be reported to a marshal
- A band system will be in operation during busy periods.
The following rules apply to the main circuit from 3pm to 8pm
- No balance bikes
- No bikes with stabilisers
- Adapted bikes permitted only if they are deemed roadworthy
- Only standard e-bikes are allowed on the circuit
- Cyclists cannot be accompanied by walkers
- Children’s trailers are not permitted on the track
- Toddler/children’s seats are allowed
- All cyclists must be able to comfortably cycle unaided.
The following rules apply to the main circuit from 1:30pm to 2:45pm
- Balance bikes and bikes with stabilisers are permitted
- Walkers are permitted to accompany balance bikes and bikes with stabilisers (max. one walker per bike)
- Other bikes only permitted if accompanying Balance Bikes and / or bikes with stabilisers
- Adapted bikes are permitted on the circuit
- Toddler / children’s seats are allowed
- Children’s trailers are allowed.
Bringing your own bike
Although bikes and helmets are available to borrow on the day, we do encourage you to bring your own if you have them.
Is your bike in need of some TLC?
Our ‘Dr Bike’ service team from Gearing Up will be on hand to provide free bike checks, basic repairs, and advice to keep your bike running smoothly.
Adapted cycles
We’re passionate about making Cycle Three Sisters an inclusive event that anybody can enjoy and have a number of Wheels For All adapted cycles suitable for people with a range of disabilities.
- Check out our range of adapted cycles that will be available on the day
Parking
There is some free marshalled parking available on site, however we do advise cycling or walking to the event where possible to avoid queuing and congestion.
Additional information
There is no need to book.
Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Please come along to Three Sisters Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield, WN4 8DD.
Find us on Google maps (external link).
If you require any further information please get in touch with our walking and cycling activation manager Richard Smith via richard.smith1@wigan.gov.uk.