Get in the saddle with Bike Week 

12 June 2012

Would-be cyclists will be encouraged to get in the saddle with a series of events and activities in town centres and workplaces across Kent next week as part of national Bike Week (16 - 24 June).

As the biggest nationwide cycling event in the UK, Bike Week encourages over half a million people to join in events, rethink their everyday journeys and switch to cycling as the most convenient way to get around.

Activities will include showcasing the latest models of electrically powered and assisted cycles, for those who prefer a less strenuous start to their day, ‘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.

Smarter Choice Roadshows

The Smarter Choices Roadshow gives information and advice on all aspects of sustainable transport including buses, trains, car sharing, cycling, walking, hybrid vehicles and alternative fuels.

The Roadshow features four of the latest generation of electric cycles and two electric motor scooters – all capable of costing just 1 penny a mile to run. Visitors have the opportunity to test ride the electric cycles.

• Monday 18 June - Tunbridge Wells Town Centre (clock tower)
  Contact: Vicky Gouge Tel – 01892 526 121
• Tuesday 19 June - Fountains Retail Park, North Farm Industrial Estate, Tunbridge Wells
  Contact: Tom Murray-Willis  Tel – 0207 193 5432
• Wednesday 20 June - County Hall, Maidstone
  Contact: Graham Tanner Tel – 01622 696 819
• Thursday 21 June - Green Acre Hospital Site, Dartford
  Contact-Sirina Blankson Tel- 01732 520576
• Friday 22 June - St Martin’s Hospital, Canterbury
  Contact: Elaine Whyatt Tel – 01227 812 218

Cycle Circle Activity Days

Cycle Circle is a professional, fun and dynamic company providing cycle training, activities and maintenance projects.  They are a small team of professional, experienced and enthusiastic cyclists based in Ashford.

• Monday 18 June - University of Kent, Canterbury
  Contact: Rebecca Friend, Tel – 01795 518 613
• Tuesday 19 June - Aesica Pharmaceuticals, Sheppey
  Contact: Debbie Fallis, Tel – 01795 543 000
• Wednesday 20 June - County Hall, Maidstone
  Contact: Graham Tanner, Tel – 01622 696 819 
• Thursday 21 June - Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Canterbury
  Contact: Martin Luff, Tel – 01233 616 048
• Friday 22 June - Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne
  Contact: Wesley Horan, Tel – 01795 506 316

Cycle to work

Kent County Council is joining forces with New Ways 2 Work – a partnership of businesses, local authorities, transport providers and other organisations that encourage green travel choices

Residents will be encouraged to take to two wheels for the journey to work, cutting congestion, reducing carbon emissions and supporting a healthy and active workforce.

Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Environment Highways and Waste, Bryan Sweetland, said:

“Cycling to work is no longer the sole domain of the hardy, Lycra-clad enthusiast. The cost of fuel, traffic congestion and the ripple effect from the tremendous upsurge of cycling in London is leading to more and more people taking to two wheels for the journey to work in Kent.

“We will continue to support investment in the installation and maintenance of high quality cycling infrastructure together with Bikeability training for the next generation of cyclist.”

The Bike to Work events in support of National Bike Week are part of a series of cycling promotion initiatives hosted by KCC and its partners during 2012.