Commuters are being encouraged out of their cars and onto their bikes during National Bike Week, 14-22 June 2008. Sport Nottinghamshire and the Shape Up Notts! campaign, along with British Cycling is laying down a challenge to see how many people can cycle 25 miles during Bike Week – an easy challenge for anyone doing the Great Nottinghamshire Bike Ride on 22 June!
Nottinghamshire is one of ten counties taking part in the Bike Week commuter challenge being promoted through British Cycling’s Everyday Cycling initiative, which is aimed specifically at the everyday cyclist. The site is designed for anyone wanting to dust off their old bike and get it ready for summer cycling.
Olympic cycling star, Bryan Steel, from Beeston commented: ‘It would be great to see hundreds, if not thousands of Nottinghamshire people getting on their bikes during Bike Week and cycling to work, even if it’s just for one day. Cycling just a few miles a day can make a big difference to your fitness and your wallet, especially with fuel prices as high as they are at the moment!’
Simon Starr of Sport Nottinghamshire added: ‘Cycling is a fantastic way to travel; it gets you fit and saves a load of money on transport.’
‘We’re asking people to keep track of the cycling on the Shape Up Notts! leader board, and for the duration of Bike Week to also log miles on
www.everydaycycling.com/nottinghamshire. At the end of the week we’ll be able to work out exactly how many miles have been completed, how much money has been saved on fuel and how much fitter everyone is.’
‘For anyone completing and logging 25miles during the week there is also the opportunity to win a £400 bike.’
Cycling is a low impact sport and one of the easiest ways to fit exercise into your daily routine. If you’ve not cycled for a while Everyday Cycling has some basic tips that will help you get back on your bike.
‘Make sure you’re wearing lightweight clothing and a helmet, and that your bike is roadworthy. For more tips and advice log on to
www.EverydayCycling.com.’
‘Cycling can eat up more than 500 calories and hour, depending on your weight, fitness and type of cycling that you are doing. As well as toning your legs and bottom, going up hills or off road will also work your upper body.’
Nottingham’s TV Eco Expert, Penney Poyzer, who hosted BBC2 show ‘No Waste Like Home’ is a regular cyclist. She said: ‘Bikes and walking are totally carbon free and with the cost of fuel going through the roof it has never made more sense to ditch the car, clean down the bike and peddle your way to freedom!’
