Be a #BikeHero this Bike Week!
June is here, and with it comes the much-anticipated Bike Week! This annual celebration of cycling is a fantastic opportunity for enthusiasts and newcomers alike to embrace the benefits of biking. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just dusting off your old bike, Bike Week has something for everyone.
What is Bike Week?
Bike Week is the UK’s biggest awareness-raising moment of the year for cycling and a chance to celebrate. It’s a time to remind ourselves of all the positives that riding a bike can bring, both to our own health and wellbeing, as well as the wider impacts on our communities and the planet.
This year, Cycling UK wants to celebrate cycling as a force for good. This year’s theme is be a #BikeHero - help save the planet, save money and save stress levels.
Why cycle?
Bike Week is the perfect time to remind ourselves of the numerous benefits of cycling:
Cycling is an excellent form of exercise that improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and boosts mental well-being.
Cycling reduces your carbon footprint, helps combat pollution, and promotes a cleaner environment.
Save money on fuel and vehicle maintenance by opting for a bike instead of a car.
Cycling fosters a sense of community and allows you to connect with fellow cyclists and local organisations.
How can I get involved?
Let everyone know it’s #BikeWeekUK and inspire others to take part by sharing Bike Week and your Bike Heroes online. Remember to use the hashtags #BikeWeekUK and #BikeHero. Below are some of the ways you can get involved:
Replace a short local you’d normally make by car.
Take the kids out for a bike ride – perhaps even cycle to school.
Encourage friends to join you on a ride.
Join a Bike Week event in your local area – check for events close by.
Find a Big Bike Revival partner delivering events near you and access FREE help to cycle locally.
Inspire others, post a selfie, or pictures of your bike ride or journey on social media. Use the hashtags #BikeWeekUK and #BikeHero.
Champion cycling in the workplace.
Looking for inspiration?
If you want to make cycling a regular habit but aren’t sure where to start, here are five ways you can get, quite literally, back on your bike:
Choose the right bike. Decide on the type of bike that suits your needs and route. Purchase from reputable sources, try before buying, and consider second-hand options if you’re on a budget.
Inspect your bike. Ensure your bike is safe to ride by checking components like wheels, handlebars, brakes, and frame. Consider servicing it if needed.
Start slowly and safely. Begin with short, gentle rides in quiet areas to build confidence. Seek support from groups or instructors if needed, and gradually increase the distance and complexity of your rides.
Be prepared. Always carry essential items like a rain jacket, water, snacks, and a basic bike toolkit. Consider taking a maintenance course to learn how to fix basic bike problems once you’re comfortable riding.
Follow the rules of the road. Familiarise yourself with local cycling laws and guidelines to ensure you ride safely and legally. Use hand signals, obey traffic lights and signs, and always stay alert.
FREE insurance for Bike Week
You can ride with peace of mind this Bike Week as Cycling UK partner Yellow Jersey is offering a week’s free Essentials Bicycle Insurance. The package is designed for individuals and families who enjoy cycling mainly as a leisure activity, or for daily errands and commuting.
Bike Week insurance will cover one bike with a value up to £1,500 between 10 June and 16 June 2024. Cover will also include theft, accidental damage, public liability, £250 accessories, dental and physio cover and permanent injury. The public liability covers up to £2m so if you’re involved with a vehicle or person you will be covered. And so you’re not left out of pocket, there is zero excess to pay on third-party claims.
For more information and to claim your free insurance, simply register with Yellow Jersey. You don’t have to be a Cycling UK member.
Insurance for one-off group events for Bike Week organised by Cycling UK member and affiliate groups is provided by our partner Butterworth Spengler Insurance Brokers. Read the guidance notes for further information.
Bike Week is a celebration of all things cycling, offering an opportunity to embrace the joys and benefits of riding a bike. Whether you're participating in a group ride, attending a workshop, or simply commuting to work on two wheels, you're contributing to a healthier, more sustainable future. So, pump up those tires, strap on your helmet, and let's make this Bike Week the best one yet!
For more information on Cycling UK’s bike week visit here.