PENNY farthings, unicycles and go carts were seen whizzing round Poole Park as the Momentum Cycle Ride Challenge roadshow rolled into town.

Returning to the borough for its second year, the challenge encourages people to dig out their bicycles and put their pedal power to the test.

Mike Hicks, challenge manager, said: “The aim is to get people back on their bikes and see how much fun it is.

“It’s open to everyone. We have lots of businesses taking part but anyone can have a go.”

On Wednesday, members of the public tried out a range of one, two and three-wheeled machines at the park at the roadshow.

Martyn Chisnall from Christchurch said riding the penny farthing was an interesting experience.

“It was a bit hairy,” the 63-year-old said. “At my age there is a lot of scope for scraping a knee. We cycle quite a lot and make a lot of use of the government cycle routes. I think it’s a good idea to get more people into cycling.”

Mr Hicks said just under 2,000 people took part in last year’s challenge and it’s hoped even more will sign up this year. Employees from around 100 businesses and organisations from across Bourne-mouth and Poole are already set to compete.

Companies are divided into different categories, depending on their size. They then compete to get the highest percentage of their workforce cycling to be in with a chance of winning a range of prizes, Mr Hicks explained.

Businesses and organisations taking part including Borough of Poole, JP Morgan and Bournemouth and Poole College.

All rides will be logged on the lovetoride website throughout the challenge, which started on September 8 and will end on September 28. Individuals or business who would like to take part can register at lovetoride.net/momentum.