People in Kent encouraged to get on their bikes as part of national bike week

Series of events held encouraging people to get on their bikes

A series of events to get people on the saddle have been held across Kent as part of National Bike Week.

Would-be cyclists took part in activities including riding a giant, seven-seat, pedal powered machine.

Events also included bike breakfasts to fuel and reward participants, BikeFix sessions to make sure cycles are fine-tuned and roadworthy and cycle try-outs with a range of cycles to suit every taste and ability.

Residents were also encouraged to take to two wheels for the journey to work, cutting congestion, reducing carbon emissions and supporting a healthy and active lifestyle during the 16-24 June bike week, which was backed by Kent County Council.

Kent County Council deputy cabinet member for environment, highways and waste, David Brazier, who is also the council’s champion for cycling, said: “More and more people are turning to cycling for a wide variety of positive reasons and events, such as bike week, can only further promote the sport.

“Cycling offers a wide range of benefits and Kent is doing much to promote the sport. One of the most significant is the opening of Cyclopark, near Gravesend, which is Europe’s largest cycling park. This is the most significant Olympic sporting legacy in Kent and one that generations of cyclists will enjoy.”

Cyclopark hosts state-of-the-art mountain-bike, circuit or road and BMX courses, a skate park, a multi-use basketball court and a children’s adventure playground. It is also equipped with specially adapted cycles and leaders who are trained by the national Wheels for All initiative.

KCC is also working in partnership with British Cycling to provide a series of free, community rides across the county that are being run under the Sky Ride Local scheme.

British Cycling trained ride leaders – friendly local volunteers who want to share their enthusiasm and knowledge – will guide participants along a variety of fascinating rural and urban routes.

They will be on hand to provide friendly encouragement and guidance and there will be rides for all ages and abilities.

There will also be a number of community bike workshops to recycle and repair bikes so that everyone can get involved.

For more information about Sky Ride Local, visit www.goskyride.com.