This week is Bike Week; there’s never been a better time to explore life on two wheels.
The national campaign, delivered by Cycling UK, aims to get more people across the UK to give cycling a try, encouraging people to get out on their bikes between Saturday 8 June to Sunday 16 June 2019.
Any outing on a bike counts – whether that’s nipping round to a friend’s house, cycling to work or school, enjoying a leisurely ride with the family or tackling a cycling challenge.
Bike Week shines a light on everyday cycling for everyone. In 2019, Bike Week aims to add another 240,000 people to the 2.4 million who already cycle three or more times a week.
Not only is cycling fantastic exercise and can improve our mental health, travelling by bike instead of driving can have a huge impact on reducing air pollution.
As summertime approaches, it’s a fantastic time of year to rediscover cycling and the many benefits it brings.
Across North Lincolnshire, there are social rides taking place which can help you enjoy cycling in a friendly atmosphere, and reduce any nerves you might have about getting back onto your bike.
Breeze Rides are fun, free bike rides for women of all abilities, led by friendly British Cycling trained Ride Leaders. The group operates like a big family, encouraging one another and sharing their experiences to grow each other’s confidence.
You can join the local Breeze network’s Facebook page to keep up to date with upcoming rides and meet local fellow cyclists by searching for ‘Breeze Network North Lincs’ on Facebook.
Guided Rides for men and women – led by friendly British Cycling trained Ride Leaders – also take place across North Lincolnshire. These free group rides are a great opportunity to meet new people, improve fitness and get more confident on your bike.
During Bike Week, a Guided Ride will take place on Wednesday 12 June from Ancholme Leisure Centre at 10am. You can find details of this ride, and all the upcoming group rides in our area on the Lets Ride website or by searching for the group, ‘Guided Rides North Lincs’, on Facebook.
The local Breeze network is also hosting a 12 hour cycling challenge on 29 June to raise money for breast cancer. There will be different led rides taking place throughout the challenge so as many people as possible can take part. You can find out more about the challenge and how you can get involved on the Let’s Ride website.
Cllr Carl Sherwood, cabinet member for Environment and Wellbeing on North Lincolnshire Council, said:
“Many of us think that we should really leave the car at home more often and get out on our bikes more – now Bike Week is the perfect nudge to make that thought a reality.
“Life on two wheels has so many benefits, and you don’t have to be a serious, lycra-clad enthusiast to feel the benefit. A trip to the shops, cycling the school run, or heading out on a sunny Sunday afternoon all have a positive effect on your health and wellbeing.
“People who cycle regularly in adulthood enjoy a level of fitness equivalent to someone 10 years younger – so what are you waiting for?”
You can find out more about Bike Week on the Cycling UK website.
