What events make up Bike Week?

Bike to work

Bike to work events are all about motivating more people to cycle to work. Gliding through the gridlock and cycling to work is a great way to beat the rush-hour. It can also have a major positive impact on the environment. Our roads would be less busy, our air and our atmosphere less polluted, our cities cleaner and less congested, if more people biked to work.

Commuter challenge - racing the rush-hour

This event communicates the benefits of cycling to work. Not many people know that during rush-hour, a bicycle is about twice as fast as a car. So to illustrate this point, take four commuters: one travelling by train, one by bus, one by car and one by bike; arrange for them all to leave home at the same time, and see who gets to work first. Invariably, the cyclist will win.

Cycle skills training

These events aim to provide cycle skills training. Cycling is safe... there is nothing to worry about and when your confidence builds through training, you’re ready to cycle anywhere. Plus with new national standards in place for child and adult cycle training, there's never been a better opportunity to get back on your bike. These days, there are a number of resources available to people including:

• DfT-funded information materials, available at www.ctc.org.uk
• The National Cycle Training Helpline, on 0870 607 0415, or via cycletraining@ctc.org.uk
• Professional skills trainers; where none are available locally, contact your local authority, cycle club or campaign to see if they can help

Adult beginner - easy ride, out on the back-roads

These events demonstrate that near to where you live there will be plenty of quiet back-roads or good quality cycle trails with smooth surfacing where you can go for your rides in peace. There are plenty of ways to help you find quiet routes, search our listed events and look at the summary to find the best ones. Once you’ve built up your confidence you can look to increase your distance and take on more challenging routes.

Parent and children ride - family routes for the future

In the UK, a huge proportion of new bike sales are to children. It's reassuring to know that despite everything that TV and Playstation have to offer, bikes continue to be high on the Christmas and birthday wish-lists of the younger generation. These events aim to bring parents and children together on their bikes with the aim of developing long term cycling use.

Longer road ride - clocking up the miles

For the more experienced cyclist, these events set a longer road ride to ensure that cyclists can set themselves a challenge during Bike Week.

Traffic-free ride - clean air for all

These events aim to encourage cyclists to use traffic-free rides in the local area. The creation of the National Cycle Network (NCN) has helped cyclists find the best traffic free rides. It provides great routes across open spaces or along old railway lines where cycling is encouraged and free from traffic. There are also bridleways, quiet country lanes and parks to choose from - all free from traffic and congestion. To find out about rides and routes for training visit www.sustrans.org.uk

Off-road ride - roughing it in the woods

Challenging, un-surfaced tracks and cross-country routes are great for the more experienced cyclist. These events provide opportunities for you to participate in a fast, fun and furious family day out on bikes, great if you like a bit of mud and 'rough stuff'.

Picnic/barbecue - bicycle clips and cucumber sandwiches

Bike Week picnics and barbeques are always popular. They also provide a good wholesome focal point for families who may want to come together to meet other families engaged in similar cycle-exploits.

Free cycle safety check - visiting Dr Bike

If you find an event you’d like to be part of, why not contact the event organiser and see if a Dr Bike is attending. If they are you can get a free cycle safety checks and make sure that your bike is up to scratch! Great if you haven’t been out on it for a while.

Cycle fair - two-wheeled show and tell

Cycle fairs are a great way to introduce or re-introduce yourself to cycling. Look in the ‘find you nearest event’ section of the website and see if there are any cycle shows near you. Cycle shows will have all sorts of cycling information for you, local clubs, bike retailers as well as lots of people who will be able to give you advice and hints and tips on cycling.

Free advice on cycling - bicycle consultation

During Bike Week itself it’s common for bike shops and retailers to provide you with free advice. They can tell you the best way to get into cycling or for the more experienced cyclist ways to improve your training to really push yourself on your rides. To find local specialists in your area, go to www.bikeforall.net or visit www.thecyclingexperts.co.uk. Other sources of advice include:

• Local CTC group www.ctc.org.uk
• Cycle Campaign Network member groups, there may be one in your area www.cyclenetwork.org.uk
• Local volunteers and cycle enthusiasts who work to promote cyclists' rights
• Grass-roots cycling campaigners, many of whom will take to the streets during Bike Week

Competitive race - on your marks, get set...

Why not try a competitive race if you’re a keen cyclist. Look at the events we have listed and contact the event organiser for more details. If not suitable, they will be able to point you in the right direction to make sure you find the best race for your ability and needs!

Time trial - the need for speed

If you want to take part in a cycling time trial you need to visit the following website www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk this will give you all the information you need to know!