Bristol cyclists and walkers will be able to sample a car-free Ladies Mile when it is closed to traffic for a few hours.

The stretch will be closed to motor vehicles for five hours on Sunday, August 30, to encourage people to get on their bikes.

It will be the first time that Ladies Mile will be closed to traffic, although it has been debated since 2004.

In June councillor Jon Rogers, who is in charge of transport in the city, proposed that the A4 Portway be closed to motorists on summer Sundays.

He said that if the closure on August 30 proved a success it could be repeated on the Downs, or elsewhere in the city.

Bristol was made the nation's first Cycling City last year and the move has been made to encourage cyclists and walkers to enjoy the area without worrying about traffic.

There will be a free "Wacky Cycles" activity where all ages can have a go on fun bikes and trikes and Bristol-based cycling charity, Life Cycle UK, will be offering free cycle-training taster sessions.

Those wishing to discover new places to cycle can pick up free maps and other leaflets from the information stall at the event.

Dr Rogers, executive member for transport and sustainability, said: "Ladies Mile was designed as a leisure route for walking and riding and I'd like to see leisure and relaxation reintroduced into the mix. No one wants to banish the car, but most people would agree that in some places, on some days, it's nice to get away from it.

"The Downs are a favourite with residents across the city, providing fresh air and green space for everyone to enjoy. So it seems wholly appropriate that more is done here to encourage cycling – which is good for both our health and the planet.

"This is the first time that Ladies Mile has been closed to motor vehicles – giving priority to walkers and cyclists. If the day is a success, and I am confident it will be, then we should certainly consider holding similar events on the Downs or elsewhere in the city, in future."

Dr Rogers' initial proposals involved the closure of more than three miles of the Portway.

The idea followed the success of Bristol's Biggest Bike Ride, where the road was closed for 7,000 cyclists to take part.

There is already a cycle path which runs from Bristol to Portishead on the opposite side of the river but Dr Rogers said that making the Portway bike only could mean people could cycle up one side and back along the other and it would give them more space.