CYCLING is on the increase in the Crediton area, it has been reported.

Karen Gutans, swimming instructor at Crediton's Lords Meadow Leisure Centre, said: "I use the back lanes around Newton St Cyres, Thorverton, Upton Pyne, Brampford Speke etc, a lot for my cycle training.

"I have noticed many more cyclists now using these routes, which is absolutely fab.

"I was wondering whether the Town Council would consider asking Devon County Council to put up some warning signs for motorists that there are likely to be cyclists."

Boniface Trail Campaign, a sub-group of Sustainable Crediton's Transport Group, is looking for a local family willing to be photographed riding bicycles, on a sunny day to illustrate a leaflet of four routes from Crediton.

"If you and your children agree, please get in touch," says group member, Laura Conyngham. "The leaflet, even at first draft, is looking professional and the group is delighted."

The next Cycling Sunday will be to The Lamb Inn, Sandford and to Salmonhutch.

She explained that the aim of these rides is to have fun and improve confidence by cycling together on a day when traffic is lighter, as well as test riding the routes for the leaflet before it goes to print.

She continued: "Please meet at Crediton's Town Square at 11am on Sunday, March 30, with a roadworthy bike and money for coffee."

After the last ride, a cyclist, new to the group, wrote on a social media site: "Went on the cycle ride today enjoyed it and want to go again. Great people, great views and very windy."

The group hopes that warmer weather will attract families.

Insurance through Sustainable Crediton covers those aged four and over.

Two local cyclists, Kath Porter and Mark Bowen, took part in the South West Cycling Advocates Network Building Workshop in Plymouth last weekend.

Organised by CTC, the national cycling charity, they learned campaigning skills and met others who will be useful in Crediton's campaign.

Kath Porter and Laura Conyngham recently attended the Raddon Hills Group of Parish Councils to hear from Paul Hawkins, Sustrans Manager for Devon and Torbay and Ros Davies, DCC Footpaths Officer.

Ros is working with Newton St Cyres Parish Council to improve access from there to both Crediton and Exeter.

The next evening meeting of Boniface Trail Campaign will be held at The Crediton Inn on Thursday, March 27 at 7.30pm.

Kirby James from Exeter CTC will inform those who attend about cycling campaigns in other parts of the county. Please buy a drink on arrival.

More information is available from Laura Conyngham on 01363 773000, the website: http://www.sustainablecrediton.org.uk">www.sustainablecrediton.org.uk or Facebook – Boniface Trail Group.