Inspired by the huge success of the Tour Series cycling events in Stevenage Old Town over the past two years, a new cycling festival aims to transform the town into a cycling hub.

A summer-long cycling festival aimed at getting people out and about on their bikes is set to start rolling out on July 1.

Stevenage Cycling Festival involves a series of free rides and events to help people of all ages discover the joy of travelling on two wheels around Stevenage’s fabulous network of cycle paths and beyond.

The festival is organised by volunteers and professionals from Herts Cycling, We are Cycling UK, British Cycling Breeze and Ride Social Champions, Kinetic Cycles and Stevenage Borough Council.

If you are new to cycling and want to build your confidence over a short distance, you can join Ride Social every Wednesday evening for an easygoing six-mile ride.

Families can join child-friendly rides with experienced leaders on Tuesdays from July 25.

There will be two-hour Saturday morning rides to help those who are returning to cycling or beginning the sport to feel more confident.

On Sundays there are women’s confidence building rides and two-hour family rides on Saturdays and Sundays.

To view the full programme of events, visit www.stevenage.gov.uk/52710/180172. You then need to email cycle.training@hertfordshire.gov.uk to request a booking form for events.