Kyle Williams is aiming to boost two-wheel traffic in the Newport area by a third in the next two years.

Newport City Cycles aims to get residents visitors pedalling around the city’s environs in ever increasing numbers.

“Newport and the surrounding area is a fantastic place to cycle,” said Kyle, who runs the company. “It has a great number of places of interest, and beautiful surrounding countryside.”

Supported by Newport Unlimited and Newport City Council, the company hires out cycles for families and individuals at affordable rates. The project has been running for just over a year, and already the signs are encouraging.

“The Olympics gave a great boost, and we found more people wanting to get out and about,” commented Kyle.

He estimates that cycling in the Newport area has increased by six per cent in the last year, and believes the target of a 30 per cent rise by 2015 is feasible.

Newport City Cycles has a base at Fourteen Locks, and is planning to set up shop at Caerleon, Newport Wetlands and the River Front in the city.

“I am sure the demand is there. Cycling is a great day out for the whole family, and we are offering a safe and affordable experience. We want to help change attitudes to alternative transport.”

The project has received a £500 grant from the Kickstart programme, run jointly by Tata Steel subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise and Centre for Business. The money was used to buy helmets and children’s vehicles and cycles.

Zoe Larton-Bevan of UK Steel Enterprise said:” We are delighted to support this project. It will help both residents and visitors see the countryside and places of interest in Newport, and provide a fun and healthy day out.”