CYCLISTS rallied for a ride-out on cyclepaths to show how to beat the traffic in Weymouth and Portland.

They joined in the ‘commuter cycle ride’ to highlight routes around the borough which are free of cars and lorries.

They set out from Portland, Preston and Weymouth town centre before heading down the new Granby Cycle Way to the Granby Industrial Estate.

Organiser Adam Bows, who is a Dorset County Council principal transport planner, said: “Dorset County Council conducted surveys across the region this summer and people indicated that fear of traffic was the main reason they did not cycle more often.

“Weymouth has an expanding network of traffic-free cycle routes and the event showed that you can commute from Portland, Wyke Regis and the town centre to the Granby Industrial Estate by bike without having to mix with traffic.

“Cycling in Weymouth is a viable alternative to the car and we hope this will encourage more people to commute to work by bicycle.”

The cycle ride was also held to mark the start of European Mobility Week.

Cyclists set off from Victoria Square in Portland, Overcombe Corner at Preston and Westham Bridge in Weymouth town centre.

Everyone who completed the ride received a free breakfast at the finish on the Granby Industrial Estate.

The Granby Way Cycle Way is the first London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games 'ride or stride' route for Weymouth to be completed.