Mountain Bike Rider: something for the weekend, London

Catch the last two days of activities from Bike Week:

London’s cyclists are inviting all Londoners to dozens of free guided bike rides, special events, zero cost bike repair sessions and fun festivals. More than a hundred events in London are being planned.

Volunteers from the London Cycling Campaign are preparing for the biggest week of free cycling events in the capital this year. Giveaways include not only free events for the whole family but detailed cycle route guides, cycle training sessions and useful booklets. The giveaway runs throughout National Bike Week from 14 - 22 June.

Cyclists will be given the chance to explore leisure routes like the Wandle Trail in Wandsworth, watch the Victorian bike parade in Battersea Park, see London’s architecture and celebrate sunrise on Primrose Hill and sunset on Richmond Hill. There will be opportunities to pick up tips on cycling to work and enjoy a picnic in the park with fellow cyclists. LCC’s borough groups are organising events right across the capital. (see below for a selection of events in particular boroughs)

Bike Week (sponsored in 2008 by Nokia) is the country’s annual celebration of cycling. It involves thousands of events and is expected to attract more than 250,000 participants.

Tom Bogdanowicz, LCC’ campaigns and development manager said: “The explosion of cycling in London shows how easy and enjoyable it can be. This is an opportunity for anyone who wants to try cycling to give it a go.”

“We want to encourage new and returning riders to take part in Bike Week which is a great way of meeting other cyclists, getting a ‘health check’ for your bike and finding new routes to explore. Bike Week is a great effort by volunteers and we want as many as people as possible to share in the fun.”

Anyone interested in finding out about Bike Week events can see a full list at <www.bikeweek.org.uk>. Visitors to the site have an opportunity to win a free Nokia mobile phone. For free guided rides, repair workshops, free booklets, free maps and assorted events throughout the year new and returning cyclists can visit www.lcc.org.uk. LCC runs a free information phone line at 020 7234 9310.

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Jamie Darlow
staff writer, mbr