Bike Week in June is the UK's annual 'celebration of cycling' and it is coming to a town near you! Government-funded with support from the cycle industry, Bike Week aims to get 'more people cycling more often'.

But with a quarter of a million participants expected this year it may be a case of "if you can’t beat ‘em join ‘em," as you may find travelling by car tricky.

1,500 cycling events will be organised locally during 17-25 June, most free to enter and many suitable for novices and occasional cyclists. From easy traffic-free rides to time trials for beginners, Bike Week offers something for everyone who owns a bike. More than three million new bicycles are sold in the UK every year.

Pleasure rides to local attractions will be on offer, plus 'Bikeathons' to raise funds for Leukaemia Research. Other more challenging events will appeal to cycling enthusiasts, including club rides open to non-members. All events are listed at www.bikeweek.org.uk or phone 0845-612-0661 for information.

Many events will be organised by local councils and other employers to encourage more staff to 'Bike2Work' instead of commuting by car.

Highways authorities are expected to launch new cycle route maps and cycle parking facilities in Bike Week, which was first organised in 1923.

The National Trust is offering discounts or tea vouchers to those arriving by bicycle at many of its properties.
Visit http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/carfreedaysout for more information.

In the run up to Bike Week some cycle shops are providing free bike 'MOT' safety checks. Skills training to a new national standard will be available from a growing number of accredited instructors. The 10,000 mile National Cycle Network includes many traffic-free sections that are ideal for novices and young children.

Get info and contacts for your local events here www.bikeweek.org.uk/search.php