WIRRAL is fast becoming Merseyside's cycling capital as two new cycle hubs open their doors in the borough this spring.

Friendly hubs to encourage more people to get on their bikes will open soon at Port Sunlight River Park and Guinea Gap.

Developed by Sustrans and Wirral Council, the hubs will join three existing centres at Eastham Community Centre, Birkenhead Park and Wallasey Central Park.

Sustrans - a charity which ebables people to travel by foot, bike or public transport - will run regular free bike rides for all levels from the five hubs, as well as bike maintenance sessions, advice and ideas about great places to take your bike out in Wirral.

Wirral’s new hubs are part of celebrations for the 20th anniversary of the National Cycle Network, which was created by Sustrans and includes more than 14,000 miles of cycle and walking routes.

These include NCN 56 Chester to Wallasey, NCN 568 Deeside to Neston linking with Regional Route 89 and the Wirral Circular Trail, which is a 35 mile signposted route for walkers and cyclists connecting up the public rights of way network with other routes around Wirral.

The trail starts and finishes at the Seacombe Ferry Terminal.

Janet Gregory, Sustrans’ "Bike It" officer for Wirral, said: “Cycling is a great way to get a bit of exercise and fresh air and explore your area but it’s sometimes difficult to get started.

"The cycle hubs are all in parks and traffic free areas so all ages have a chance to practice riding on a bicycle for free.

"They’ve become really social community places too. Young families enjoy it as a safe space to learn to ride with their children, while other people get the chance to try out a bike again after many years or to learn a new skill. It’s really sociable and friendly too, so why not come over and find out more?”

The Port Sunlight River Park cycle hub is the latest attraction at the public park which opened last year.

The park, which was once a landfill site, aims to re-connect the coastal communities of Port Sunlight, Bromborough and New Ferry with the River Mersey.

Port Sunlight River Park is owned by The Land Trust and managed by Wirral Autistic Society.

For more information about Sustrans National Cycle Network, click here.