CYCLING enthusiasts from across the county converged on Canterbury at the weekend in celebration of pedal power. The Big Wheel of Kent Bike Ride has become one of the biggest events in the county's cycling calendar attracting riders of all ages and abilities.

It was started seven years ago by the Medway Friends of the Earth as the Rochester to Canterbury ride to promote the most environmentally friendly form of transport.

Now hundreds of cyclists from all corners of the county take part and arrive at the Dickens Inn in St Dunstan's Street, Canterbury, for a barbecue and refreshment in the pub garden. Their journeys were between 15 and 30 miles, mostly through the countryside and on cycle routes, including the Crab and Winkle Line which is proving very popular.

One of the organisers, Stuart McLeod, said: "We have had a great turnout again and it was nice to see so many families taking part."

County council cycling officer Rob Smith, who also took part, said the authority was committed to promoting cycling in Kent.

He said: "We already have about 500 kilometres of cycle routes and are working on more. But only about two per cent of journeys in Kent are believed to be done by cycle which we want to double by 2006."

Among the groups taking part were Spokes - the East Kent Cycling Campaign, the Thanet Cycling Forum and the Cycle Touring and Campaigning Club.