Mendip District Council have partnered up with The Open Road Experience to host five e-bike taster events in Mendip this spring – for free! The sessions are taking place across the district thanks to funding from the Mendip Tourism Grant, which aimed to support organisations with projects that enhanced Mendip as a tourist destination. Frome-based business, The Open Road Experience, offers independent and guided tours on e-bikes and tandems. They received a £5.7k grant to deliver the taster sessions and to purchase an additional electric bike and trailer. Two successful sessions have already taken place at The Old Showfield in Frome and on the Cathedral Green in Wells.

The next free sessions are happening on: • Friday 22 April - Cranhill House, Cranhill Road, Street, BA16 0BY • Sunday 8 May - Park Road entrance of Collett Park, Shepton Mallet • Saturday 28 May - Somerset Rural Life Museum car park, Glastonbury, BA6 8DB.

Cathy Thompson and Graham Hey, Directors of The Open Road Experience, said: "We are well and truly into the swing of offering e-bike trials now; feedback has been fantastic, with a 100% customer satisfaction rate! "Our aim is to get as many people into e-cycling as possible, whilst delivering high quality experiences. We hope these sessions will open people's eyes and inspire them to make e-biking a part of their life. "With sessions still to come in Street, Shepton Mallet and Glastonbury, we are excited to keep spreading the word that e-cycling is accessible, really good fun, and can open up so many new opportunities."

Julie Reader-Sullivan, Head of Planning and Growth Services at Mendip District Council, said: "We're pleased to be supporting such a great initiative – it's an accessible opportunity for residents to explore the area, try something new and feel good about choosing an eco-friendly experience. "We're urging everyone to have a go - whether you're interested in finding a new hobby or considering getting an e-bike as a sustainable transport solution. If you're intrigued but have never had go, now is your chance … and it's free!" Guarantee a place at the next e-biking session by booking here, theopenroadexperience.co.uk, or take a chance by turning up on the day.