The shop - which opened late last year in the former Beveridge's Menswear building - holds free rides for kids and parents, women, beginners and experienced riders on gravel, road and trails.

The kids' ride is held once a month, aimed at 12-to-16-year-olds, with fruit and drinks provided.

Last Wednesday's ride was attended by 24 kids and parents, led by members of the Kurri Mongrels mountain bike club.

Store owner Steve Whitby said Cessnock is a good place for cycling, and he hoped the rides would help the cycling community to grow.

"It's nice fertile ground out here; the key is to provide places to ride and people to ride with," he said.

The shop also has free bike parking in its rear courtyard for public use, with a 24/7 security camera (park at your own risk). Helmet lockers are also available in-store at 88 Vincent Street.

Stay tuned to Cessnock Bicycle Company's Facebook page for details about upcoming shop rides. Spaces on the kids' rides are limited, so be sure to RSVP to the Facebook event.

Cessnock City Council's draft Trails Strategy is on public exhibition until this Friday.

The strategy aims to providing a vision for the city's trails network, which is used by bushwalkers, runners, mountain bike riders, horse riders and recreational vehicles.

Read more here, and have your say on the strategy here.