A special series of bike rides are taking place this summer on the Liverpool Loop Line.
The Loop Line (The Ralla) is a 10 mile path for walkers and cyclists along a disused railway line that runs from Halewood to Aintree. The Ralla forms part of the 350-mile Trans Pennine Trail and is also part of Route 62 of the National Cycle Network. Many cyclists and pedestrians use the Liverpool Loop Line on a daily basis either for their commute to work or for recreation.
To mark the 25th Anniversary of the Trans Pennine Trail, a series of Choose Freedom bike rides are taking place in partnership with Sustrans along the Liverpool Loop Line. The aim is to show how the Ralla can be used as a transport link. The rides are every Thursday until 28 August.
Thursday 31 July- Walton Hall Park Sports Centre, Walton Hall Avenue, L4 9XP to the National Wildflower Centre
Thursday 7 August – Garston Urban Village Hall, 70 Banks Road, L19 8JZ to East Prescot Road Sainsbury’s
Thursday 14 August – Walton Hall Park Sports Centre, Walton Hall Avenue, L4 9XP to Childwall Abbey Pub off Well Lane exit
Thursday 21 August – Garston Urban Village Hall, 70 Banks Road, L19 8JZ to Croxteth Park off Three Butt Lane
Thursday 28 August- Ride to Southport- Starting from BikeRight!, 105 Boundary St, L5 9YJ
Neil Birchall (pictured, centre, blue shirt) said, “Nice people, nice weather, nice ride” while Lisa O’Donnell from Everton said, “Love it – 10 out of 10”.
Liverpool City Council’s Choose Freedom project, delivered by BikeRight!, has often used the Ralla for regular bike rides and special events such as the Valentine’s Day “Love Your Bike” ride. The route is very popular with beginner riders as it gives groups the opportunity to gain confidence and socialise whilst they ride before learning how to ride on-road.
Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said: “The Choose Freedom rides are a great chance for cyclists of all abilities and experience to get on their bikes and ride in a safe and sociable environment.”
Cyclists will access different attractions in Liverpool each week such as the National Wildflower Centre and Croxteth Park. The rides will begin either from the south end (Garston Urban Village Hall) or the north end (Walton Hall Park Sports Centre) on alternate weeks. The distance of the rides will increase each week with the aim of undertaking a 20-mile challenge ride to Southport at the end of the summer. A full list of rides and dates can be found on the Choose Freedom website www.bikeright.co.uk/freedom
To book onto a ride please e-mail freedom@bikeright.co.uk or telephone 0151 482 5705. Bikes are provided if needed.
