NEARLY 100 residents got on their bikes last weekend to take part in the inaugural Ottery community cycle ride.

Sidmouth Herald: Roger Giles behind the mask at the Ottery community bike ride. Photo by Terry Ife ref sho 6990-39-13TI To order your copy of this photo go to www.sidmouthherald.co.uk and click on myphotos24Roger Giles behind the mask at the Ottery community bike ride. Photo by Terry Ife ref sho 6990-39-13TI To order your copy of this photo go to www.sidmouthherald.co.uk and click on myphotos24 (Image: Archant)

The event on Saturday, organised by Otter Trial campaigner Jo Elliot, saw the group ride from the Land of Canaan, through town, up Cadhay Lane and then on to Escot Park for a picnic lunch.

Sidmouth Herald: Finn Upsher as Sir Bradley Wiggins at the Ottery community bike ride. Photo by Terry Ife ref sho 7009-39-13TI To order your copy of this photo go to www.sidmouthherald.co.uk and click on myphotos24Finn Upsher as Sir Bradley Wiggins at the Ottery community bike ride. Photo by Terry Ife ref sho 7009-39-13TI To order your copy of this photo go to www.sidmouthherald.co.uk and click on myphotos24 (Image: Archant)

Jo said she was really pleased to see so many youngsters joining in and that the excitement generated by the Tour of Britain had helped get more people interested.

She added: “We weren’t sure what reception it would get, but I was delighted when so many people turned up. We’re looking at potentially making it a regular thing because the feedback we had was really good. People are obviously keen on cycling in Ottery, and this provided a perfect opportunity for locals to tell us about what is preventing them from using their bikes more.”

A petition to support the Otter Trial, a proposed cycle track between Feniton and Ottery, can be signed online at http://ottertrail.org