Speaking at the Bikefest launch on Thursday, Mr Loades threw his support behind the annual event, along with Newcastle Cycleways Movement’s plans for a $50 million cycle network for the city.

He said the NRMA backed the ambitious plans to connect suburbs and existing shared pathways across the city through more on-road dedicated paths.

‘‘We want to see more cycling infrastructure and get people off the roads and on to buses and trains,’’ he said.

This year’s Bikefest will combine race, ride and expo elements, designed to encourage people of all ages to involve bicycles in their everyday lives. 

Bikefest’s annual Mick Chapman Memorial Criterium is now in its third year, and will include Australia’s best under-23 cycling talent Caleb Ewan. 

Former national road race champion and Olympian Amanda Spratt has also signed up to race. 

The Genesis Expo along Honeysuckle boardwalk will showcase a range of food, fashion and fitness products to encourage active living. 

The Newcastle Ride will feature a number of independently themed rides along Newcastle Harbour and on various cycleways, inclusing Food Peddlers, Frock n Roll, Artscape and Two Cities. 

■ Bikefest will be held on October 25 and 26. For more information go bikefest.net.au.