Bike Week seeks to celebrate all kinds of cycling

Bike Week HQ is calling on organisers of all cycling events scheduled for 16-24 June to promote them as part of Bike Week, even if they appeal only to enthusiast participants. Events will be promoted free at
Nick Harvey, Bike Week coordinator, said: “National Bike Week has been re-invented many times since it was launched by cycle campaigners in 1923. But I think it has never really lost sight of its roots. Promoting cycling events and rides that offer a chance to have fun, get fit and feel free is this year’ tag, but the underlying message remains much the same – encouraging more people to cycle more often makes sense for all cyclists, society in general and the long term sustainability of our environment.
“In recent years, government funding and the significantly increased involvement of local authorities has understandably resulted in greater emphasis on accessible events that appeal to newcomers, families and returning cyclists. But as Bike Week is the UK’ only nationwide co-ordinated annual promotion of all kinds of cycling events, naturally it should include events for enthusiasts too. I urge organisers to join in this year’ celebration and promote their events on the Bike Week website.”
In 2006 more than 1,700 Bike Week and Bike2Work events generated positive media coverage for cycling worth an estimated £1.8m. Registered Bike Week event organisers are offered free £10m public liability insurance (excluding racing) and free promotional materials, including a prize draw open to all participants with four leisure breaks at Center Parcs to be won.
Bike Week 2007 is a government funded promotion that also receives £30,000 support from the cycle industry’ Bike Hub levy. It is co-ordinated UK-wide for 18 stakeholder organisations including British Cycling, CTC, Cycle Campaign Network, Cycling Time Trials, London Cycling Campaign and Sustrans.