500,000 to celebrate summer of cycling after Bike Week launches at Dutch Embassy in London

Bike Week 2015 launches tomorrow morning at the Dutch Embassy in London. Bike Week organiser saidthat over half a million people are set to take part in the biggest cycling event in the UK this summer. Bike Week runs 13 – 21 June and is supported by the Bicycle Association’s Bike Hub, Cyclescheme and Love to Ride.

Packed full of events and helpful tips on how you can make the simple switch to cycling, Bike Week 2015 demonstrates that cycling is a really convenient way to get around.

CTC’s Bike Week Coordinator, Jonathan Sharpe said: “With tens of thousands more bikes being brought back to life through CTC’s recent Big Bike Revival, we expect this year’s Bike Week to be an even bigger than before.”

“Whether it’s joining up with a bike buddy on your way into work, enjoying a bike breakfast before clocking in, or getting your bike checked over by a Dr Bike in your tea break, Bike Week is designed to show you just how easy it is to incorporate cycling into your day.”

Dutch Ambassador Laetitia van den Assum said: “Cycling runs in our blood and we are happy to share our national passion with the British. We are proud of the now well-established tradition that the Embassy hosts the launch of the annual Bike Week, as well as the start of the Parliamentary Bike Ride to Westminster. We have always been huge supporters of cycling in the UK, and will continue to share our expertise with our British partners. From our long experience, we know that challenges sometimes seem unsurmountable, but they can be overcome. The progress that has already been made with cycling infrastructure in the UK is fantastic!”

The launch of Bike Week at the Dutch Embassy will be the first major opportunity for newly-elected MPs to publicly express their support for cycling by joining the Minister for Cycling, Robert Goodwill MP on the annual parliamentary bike ride to College Green.

Philip Darnton, Executive Director of the Bicycle Association said, “The Bicycle Association has long been a sponsor of Bike Week, and, on behalf of the cycle industry, we are delighted to help fund this year’s “Cycle To Work” celebration. Short urban trips are often quicker and easier by bike – and the health benefits are free! Over the past 4 years cycling to the station, for example, has increased by over 4 million trips every year, with backing from Government, Network Rail, and train operators. Now, with support from key national and international businesses for the ‘economic vitality’ which cycling brings to our communities, we look forward to Government promoting greater investment in cycling to make it an everyday reality.”