This year’s Bike Week (June 16-24 ) is a great opportunity to discover,
or re-discover, the appeal of cycling and take part in locally organised cycling events.Bike Week is the UK’s annual celebration of cycling, with more than 1,500 local events expected to attract at least 250,000 participants across the country. From easy five mile family rides on traffic-free routes to events for cycling commuters, most Bike Week events are free to enter and suitable for cyclists of all abilities.
Bike Week was started in 1923 by campaigners seeking to improve roads and facilities for cyclists. Now it’s a government and cycle industry funded initiative aiming to get ‘more people cycling more often’. Event organisers range from cycling clubs and community groups, to local councils and other major employers including NHS trusts, plus universities and schools.In Southampton events include:
- Group ride to Hamble on June 20
- ‘Bike2Work’ day on June 20
- All-age family ride around Southampton Common on June 21
- Southampton to Braishfield ride for more experienced cyclists on June 21
- Solent Coasts Cycling Challenge on June 23: this popular event covers 66 miles and is divided into sections by six ferry crossings. The main starting point is at Lymington Ferry Terminal but there are other designated points if you would rather start and finish elsewhere around the route. A bike doctor will also offer free bike health checks. If you would rather start and finish in Southampton, Town Quay can be used as a starting point where you can catch a ferry to Hythe.
For more details about these events see the Southampton City Council website, or search for these and others on the National Bike Week site, or phone 0845 612 0661.
Links
Southampton Cycling Campaign
National Bike Week
Cycle to Work
This Government scheme enables employers to provide staff with bikes at a typical cost saving of 38-45%.
Change Your World
Sustrans' Change Your World is a new campaign that is asking people to swap just one car trip from July 1-7 and choose something that is better for the planet instead.
The Cyclists' Touring Club
Britain's largest national cycling organisation, promoting recreational and utility cycling
National site
South Hampshire site