Cycle to Work Day, launched by Bath’s Cyclescheme, is to return on 3rd September, a national event aiming to encourage everyone to take to two wheels and cycle to work for just one day.
To mark the event, television presenter, Denise Van Outen, will be taking part and inviting others to join her by pledging their miles at www.cycletoworkday.org.
As a cycling enthusiast, Denise has completed a 250 mile ride through Vietnam and Cambodia, and a 180 mile ride through India, to raise funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.
The Cycle to Work Day campaign is launched by Bath-based Cyclescheme, the UK’s leading cycle to work provider, employing 45 people.
The campaign aims to see a million people get on their bikes to work by 2021, and is supported by British Cycling, Sustrans, the Bicycle Association, Act TravelWise, CTC and the London Cycling Campaign.
With potentially hundreds of thousands of new or returning cyclists on the roads, Cyclescheme recognises the importance of safety and has partnered with hundreds of local bike shops to offer free bike health checks.
For a list of those participating retailers head to www.cycletoworkday.org/free-bike-health-checks.
Cycle to Work Day’s top cycling tips from Daniel Gillborn, Director at Cyclescheme are:
1. Choose your route.
- It is tempting to ride along the same road as your route to work. You are likely to find it more enjoyable on quieter roads, as you can only go as fast as you can pedal, unlike a car which can speed up on faster roads.
- There may be parks, tree-lined residential streets or cycle paths suitable for your route. Try Google Maps’ specific cycling option.
2. Check your equipment:
- If you have not ridden your bike for a while, free bike health checks – think MOTs for bikes – are available from hundreds of local bike shops between 24 August – 3 September.
- For a list of those participating retailers head to www.cycletoworkday.org/free-bike-health-checks.
3. The secret to no-sweat cycling:
- Maintain an uniform speed and avoid the temptation to race other cyclists who overtake you. You can wear normal everyday clothing with a few subtle adjustments. Loosening a shirt or blouse collar helps heat to escape.
- Leave your suit jacket at your workplace the night before. Avoid synthetic fibres and wear several thin layers, so you can take off a layer or two if you are getting a bit hot. Don’t forget to carry water.
“Cycle to Work Day gets Britain on your bike! Please join me and give your bike a go on 3rd September,” said Denise Van Outen.
“Cycling makes me feel free like a kid again. When you think about driving time, looking for a parking space and walking to the location, bikes look better.”
For more information on how to get involved and pledge to ride, visit www.cycletoworkday.org.