New theme for Bike Week

Bike Week, to be staged 13-21 June, is to challenge families to get more out of life by swapping their four wheels for two and discovering new places in their local community.

Inspired by the new theme; ‘Get more out of life: live local, get cycling’, Bike Week’s revamped website now features a user-friendly event search facility. The new system, supported by Google mapping technology means participants can find specific events in their area in seconds.

People hoping to join a Bike Week event but unsure of what’s on offer can search under a range of different categories from commuter challenges and time trials to family rides and cycle skills training.

Phillip Darnton, Chairman of Cycling England, 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. We hope that by joining a Bike Week event, people will be inspired to hop on their bikes and discover the benefits and pleasures of cycling. Last year was a great success and I’m certain this year will be even better."

The new website hosts an Event Organiser Guide, ‘useful contacts’ section and hints and tips pages to help organisers create and promote any range of events from small community rides to large festivals. New materials including posters, flyers, balloons and stickers are free to order – and the liability insurance up to £10 million offers added security at no cost to the organiser.

There are also plenty of competitions and prizes available to help event organisers promote their events. Center Parcs is offering a free family break, and Thule has donated twenty-four bike carriers to be given away in a prize draw every week in the lead up to Bike Week.