Get Cycling - it's Bike Week

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A round-up of what's happening around Ealing

The Ealing Cycling Campaign is organising a range of fun-packed activities for this year's Bike Week (13-21 June).

Bike Week is the UK's annual celebration of cycling, with more than 1,500 events expected to attract over 250,000 participants.

Residents can have their bikes checked over at one of the many Doctor Bike surgeries taking place across the borough during the week.

A series of organised rides is also planned, including the ever-popular Sunset Ride that leaves from Ealing Town Hall and finishes with a drink in a pub and watching the sun go down from Richmond Hill.

The festivities will close on Sunday 21 June with a family-friendly ride and picnic.

All the rides are ideal for beginners or people who want to gain some road skills. This includes those who have not ridden for a while, or simply feel daunted by the idea of cycling any distance.

David Eales, spokesperson for the Ealing Cycling Campaign, says: "Bike Week is a great opportunity to discover, or rediscover, the appeal of cycling, and find out how cycling can keep you keep fit and healthy and save you money. All you need to join in is a bike."

For more information, email info@ealingcycling.org.uk

Events calendar

Saturday 13 June - Doctor Bike Ealing Broadway

From 10am until 4pm join us in Ealing Green, between High Street and Bond Street, where Doctor Bike will be present to check over your bike and resolve any minor problems. There also be cycle maps, leaflets and people on hand to give advice and guidance on all things cycling.

(Event takes place on Ealing Green, W5 5DA)

Saturday 13 June - Doctor Bike Hanwell Clocktower

From 10am until 5pm join us around the Clocktower of Hanwell, where Doctor Bike will be present to check over your bike and resolve any minor problems.

Sunday 14 June - Ride to the West London Greenfest

Leaving at 10am from Ealing Town Hall steps, join us on a ride to Hammersmith to see the West London Greenfest. There will be music, food, and numerous stalls celebrating all things "green". (Meet outside Ealing Town Hall, New Broadway, W5 2BY)

Tuesday 16 June - Doctor Bike Haven Green

From 12.00pm until 7pm. Join us on Haven Green, opposite Ealing Broadway Station, where Doctor Bike will be present to check over your bike and resolve any minor problems.

Tuesday 16 June - My Cheese, Your Wine, Our Bonfire Ride

Leaving at 7pm from Ealing Town Hall steps, join us for a short hour or so spin around the canals ending up for some nibbles and anything else you care to bring along at the picnic area on the canal. You must bring lights! Meet outside Ealing Town Hall, New Broadway, W5 2BY)

Wednesday 17 June -Doctor Bike Haven Green

From 2.00pm until 8pm. Join us on Haven Green, opposite Ealing Broadway Station, where Doctor Bike will be present to check over your bike and resolve any minor problems.

Wednesday 17 June - Sunset Ride

Leaving at 7pm from Ealing Town Hall steps, join us for a ride to Richmond Hill for a drink at the Roebuck, and to see the sun set on nearly the longest day of the year. You must bring lights! (Meet outside Ealing Town Hall, New Broadway, W5 2BY)

Saturday 20 June- Doctor Bike at Acton Market

From 10am until 3pm join us in Acton Town Centre in the market square, where Doctor Bike will be present to check over your bike and resolve any minor problems.

Saturday 20 June - Doctor Bike at Hanwell Carnival

From 11am until 5pm. Join us in Hanwell Carnival in Elthorne Park,Boston Road, where Doctor Bike will be present to check over your bike and resolve any minor problems.

Sunday 21 June - Family Borough Ride

Leaving at 10am from Ealing Town Hall steps, join us for a child-friendly ride around the borough keeping to the tow paths and quietest roads. We end in Pitshanger Park - so bring a picnic and frisbees! Certificates for all children who join in. (Meet outside Ealing Town Hall, New Broadway, W5 2BY)

Five reasons to get on your bike

1. Over half of our car journeys are less than 5 miles - swapping them for an easy 30 minute bike ride can save you a small fortune in fuel costs

2. Cyclists live on average at least two years longer than non-cyclists and their fitness levels are equivalent to being ten years younger - so forget nip and tuck, think pedal and push!

3. Cycling is the ultimate family activity; it's free, healthy, fun and encourages children to be independent

4. Cycling gets you out and about and you're more likely to find that cute little delicatessen or beautiful park you never knew existed than when you're cooped up in a car

5. In a hurry? During rush-hour, a bicycle is twice as fast as a car - good if you hate traffic jams! Even better, you won't spend a penny on
parking

June 11, 2009