Cyclists young and old took to the streets of Carlisle during a morning rush hour to demonstrate the appeal of pedal power.

Adults and children got on their bikes and set off on a three mile route as part of moves to encourage people to use two wheels instead of four.

They cycled from Carleton Grange, Parkland Village and Harraby to their schools and workplaces.

Organiser Richard Ingham said the event, to mark National Bike Week, had been “brilliant”.

Mr Ingham, an independent cycle planning consultant, said: “There were about six adults and six children from Pennine Way School on bikes and one boy on a scooter.

“We set off at 8.15am and followed a specific route.

“The children peeled off to school and the adults carried on into the city centre to their various workplaces.

“This was the first time I had organised anything like this to tie in with National Bike Week.

“I wanted to show people how easy it can be to cycle to work or school rather than jumping in a car, particularly in that area of the city. We never touched a main road.

“Secondary school children could ride that route in total safety.”

The journey took about 15 minutes and some cyclists stopped off at Costa in the city centre for a well-deserved coffee before heading into work.

Mr Ingham stressed the benefits of cycling, saying that it saves time as you exercise to-and-from work.

He said: “It means that you don’t have to exercise when you get home as you’ve already done your bit and you arrive at work or school feeling fresh.

“It also costs very little and there are no worries about finding a parking space.”

Cycling has undergone a rise in popularity in recent years, with more riders noticeable on the county’s roads when the weather improves.

Nowhere has its overall attractions been more noticeable than in the crowds turning out to watch Cumbrian stages of the Tour of Britain.

At Hartside Fell last September, thousands cheered on racers in one of the most striking ever stages of the nationwide competition. The sides of the steep road were swamped by cycling fans as some of the sport’s superstars tackled the event’s most gruelling finish.

There was euphoria as a pack featuring poster boys Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish brought the tour back to Cumbria.

Mr Ingham said: “There has undoubtedly been a rise in cycling popularity.

“Leisure cycling has increased but people seem to be reluctant to use their bikes for work, school and shopping, which is a shame as that is what will cut congestion and improve the air quality.”

The event was supported by Pennine Way Primary School. Mr Ingham said: “The headteacher Sue Blair was great. She sent a text to all parents to let them know what we were doing.”

Palace Cycles on Botchergate gave every child a free water bottle.

Mike Lee, who runs Palace Cycles, said: “We are keen to support anything that encourages people to live a healthy lifestyle.

“The weather has been great this year so why not take advantage of it by taking up cycling?”