AN AYR cycling club is looking to take advantage of the strong uptake in the sport over the lockdown period.

It comes as figures from Cycling Scotland show a staggering increase of around 300 per cent in parts of the country over the month of May compared to the same period last year.

Many people who were furloughed or working from home and unable to socialise in recent months, took to their bikes as their daily exercise with the sport becoming increasingly popular.

Now Ayr Roads/ Harry Fairbairn Cycling Club are aiming to capitalise on those figures and keep the momentum built up during lockdown as restrictions continue to be slowly eased.

The club offer a range of benefits as more people look to keep pedalling the miles in, with a number of activities for all abilities.

Club chairman Scott Knox is keen to see more members join up and enhance their cycling experience.

He said: “We have options for all ages and abilities, so we really are inclusive for everyone.

“Benefits of joining include learning more about local routes, the safety of riding in a group, new friendships and even an introduction to racing, as well as the all-important social element with coffee stops and nights out.”

The club has also developed a strong female contingent with a 50 per cent rise in female memberships since lockdown began.

As restrictions start to ease for group activities, the club saw their Sunday social rides return albeit with small groups of only five households in line with Scottish Government guidelines.

For anyone looking to get involved, Ayr Roads have organised a beginner’s ride on Monday, August 31, at 6:30pm meeting at the Burns Cottage car park.

Small groups of five with a lead rider will allow social distancing on a 15 mile circuit.