Bradford on Avon has gone bike crazy with activities for all ages to mark the Tour of Britain.

It is the first town in Wiltshire that will witness hundreds of elite cyclists racing through its streets.

After navigating the notoriously steep Winsley Hill, the cyclists will be passing through Winsley where there will be a 20 x 50-metre cycle sculpture, with moving wheels made of people.

The human bicycle, which will be filmed from a helicopter and broadcast on TV worldwide, has been designed by BAFTA award winning set designer Bill Laslett and will be set in motion at Hartley Farm at 10.30am.

Two hundred volunteers are needed, with rehearsals taking on Wednesday at 11am, before the group meet on the day at 10am.

Mayor John Potter, who will be taking part, said: “The response has been really good, but we need more people. The Tour of Britain is really up for it and it should be a lot of fun, although it means I won’t be able to see them racing down Market Street.”

To be involved email town clerk@bradfordonavontowncouncil.gov.uk TT Cycles in Frome Road has got into the spirit by organising a Town Bike Trail, in conjunction with the council and the Tourist Information Centre. People have until Thursday to find 12 bikes bearing the names of a famous cyclist to be in with a chance of winning a new bike. Trail maps, costing 50p, are available from the TIC and the winners will be announced on race day.

Assistant manager Ed Cobb said: “Cycling has always been on the up anyway because of the recession, people using bikes instead of cars to save money on petrol, but the Olympics and Tour de France definitely helps. We have seen quite a rise in road bike sales.”

On race day there will be stalls in Westbury Gardens, a barbecue and free bike checks by TT Cycles, followed by a stunt display by M.A.D from 4-7pm.

From Sunday to September 14 there will be The History of the Moulton Bicycle display in The Vaults from 2 to 5pm.