On yer Bike!

Did you know that this week is National Bike Week which aims to get people to cycle to work, the library, to visit their friends or to cycle around the shops. Promoting the health, social and environment benefits that “every day cycling” brings about, National Bike weeks challenges us to rethink our everyday journeys and to switch to cycling as the most convenient and cheapest way to get around.    As the biggest nationwide cycling event in the UK, there are lots of local events organized by companies, non-profit organizations or local libraries. Why not organize your own cycle-to-work initiative or for more information on events in your area, visit: bikeweek.org.uk. Here are few events coming up in the Suffolk region:-  

Suffolk Workplace Bike Week Challenge Registration: email: freshways@suffolk.gov.uk, Information telephone no: 01473 265090

Do you and your work colleagues have what it takes to go up against other organisations in a Bike Week Challenge? If so here are the rules for the Suffolk Bike Week Challenge:

1) Get together a team of colleagues from your workplace and develop a team name for yourself (max. 20 per team but each company may have as many teams as they wish).

2) Register the team details by emailing: freshways@suffolk.gov.uk

3) Cycle to and from work during Bike Week and don’t forget to record your total cycle mileage for each team and take a photo of your team.  The triumphant winners will be crowned at the end of the week with awards for: *The team with the highest average mileage per team member *The team with the highest percentage of staff taking part in the challenge *Cycle Champion of the week

Ipswich Bicycle Ball Date: 23rd June 2012 - Start Time: 6:00PM / End Time (approx): 11:00PM

Starting Point: The Cornhill, Ipswich Venue: The Brewery Tap, Ipswich Website: www.bicycleball.com Yes, it says it in the name, but this no ordinary ball – your “date” for the evening is your bike! Dress up in your 70s gear, top hats, bangles, spangles or anything that takes your fancy! Meet with fellow Ballers at 6pm at The Cornhill before setting off en masse for a leisurely amble through the Town.  Cycle along the Waterfront to the Ball venue - The Brewery Tap, where you'll enjoy an eclectic evening of music, dance, poetry, art and performance!  For more information visit the website.

Information Evening: Cycling in the Waveney Valley Date: 19th June 2012 Start Time: 7:00PM / End Time (approx): 9:00PM Venue: Beccles Library, Blyburgate, Beccles, Suffolk,NR34 9TB  An informative cycling-themed evening with free guides, maps, bells and information on safe cycling. Have your bike checked over and get your bike coded for free by the Beccles and Bungay Safer Neighbourhood Police Team. Find out about locally led rides in your area and information for cyclists in general – adults and children welcome. Switch Pedal Challenge,

Ipswich date: 23rd June 2012 Starting venue: The Town Hall, Cornhill, Ipswich, IP1 1DH Switch Pedal Quest is inviting everyone with wheels of any description to meet at Ipswich Town Hall steps before pedaling their way through the streets hunting for clues, stories, people and places.

Competitors will be encouraged to take part in groups of up to six people. You will have to get a move on as there will be 50 problems to solve in various locations across the town! There is a £2 charge for all participants, and you will need to preregister your place by emailing cadtaylor@gmail.com or visiting www.switchfringe.com. There will be entertainment across the forecourt and refreshments provided inside at Gallery 1, in the Town Hall.