Bike Week 2009

• Apr. 2 by Emma Williams (2)

 ”Bike Week”, the UK’s largest mass participation cycling event has been launched to take place this year from Saturday 13^th – Sunday 21^st June.

With the slogan “Get more out of life – live local, get cycling!”, the week-long event aims to inspire people all over the country to discover the enjoyment and benefits of cycling.

One of the most important benefits to cycling being the chance to reduce your carbon footprint, and your impact on the environment, as well as saving money on petrol, by travelling by bicycle instead of car.

“Over half of all car journeys are under five miles long, as we pop to the shops or do the school run – and yet swapping short journeys like this with a 30 minute bike ride could save the UK £2.5 billion each year.” Phillip Darnton, Chairman of Cycling England explains.

This year, Bike Week is specifically targeting families, with a bike ride being promoted as an ideal way to get the family together, plus it has the benefits of providing exercise, and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg!

Phillip Darnton said: “Many families are looking for easy ways to get more out of life, particularly during these difficult financial times. Cycling brings families together and is a fantastic, free way to discover new places and rides and have a lot of fun.”

Events being held in the Birmingham area are two “family cycling days”, one in Edgbaston on 13^th June and one in Sutton Coldfield on 14^th June. These days will include a chance to look at and have a go on some weird and wonderful bikes, do group cycles on routes around local parks, and more.

There will also be a Fujitsu “cycle to work day” held on the 15^th June, co-ordinated from the Solihull office. All employee at Fujitsi sites throughout the UK and Ireland will be encouraged to cycle to work in order to raise publicity for the company’s Environmental Policy.

Events will be held throughout the UK, ranging from cycle training for beginners to commuter challenges and group rides around local cycling routes.

Bike Week encourages local people to get involved by organising their own events. The website provides an event organiser guide where you can register your event, and even order free promotional material such as balloons, poster and stickers. And you don’t have to be an expert either, anyone is free to set up a Bike Week event!