Bike Week 2009: The story so far...

This year’s Bike Week looks to be the most popular so far in terms of public support, judging by the sheer number of events going on around the country.

Certainly, an upswing in cycling’s fashionability and the increasing number of celebs and politicians seen out on bikes (or having them stolen…) is all grist to Bike Week’s mill, as is the current Tour Series which is thrilling spectators in cities across the UK.

This evening (June 16) CycleSheffield have invited all cyclists to explore routes around the city with a guided tour. But leave the Lycra, hi-viz and helmet at home – every rider has to dress in a way they think is chic or cool or stylish. There are prizes for the best as judged by the fashionistas.

Sheffield is also the venue for a Friday Night Ride on June 19, which will explore ancient woodlands through the east of the city, the pre-Roman dyke and see the sunset from Wincobank Iron Age Fort, returning to visit some of Georgian Sheffield with social stops on the way.

Around 15,000 people are expected to attend the Islington Sports and Cycling Festival Islington on June 20th.One of the highlights of the festival is the Cycling Zone which includes a cycling cinema, crazy bikes tryout, BMX stunt riders, roller race, bicycles for sale, Dr Bike and police tagging.

The whole event is free of charge to visitors and organisers would like to encourage people to come dressed in suitable clothing and footwear so that they can join in. For full details of all the activities on offer, contact Islington Council on 020 7527 4354

In addition to organised bike rides and bike check-up days, Southend will host the final stage of the Tour Series on June 25. Beginning at 7pm, this promises to be a battle royal along the seafront, from the pier to the Casino, as the teams slog it out for the main prize. Cycling fans in Milton Keynes, Exeter, Woking, Peterborough, Blackpool, Southport, Stoke, Colchester and Chester will have already thrilled to this closely contested race, and at the time of writing it’s a close run affair; Candi TV-Marshalls Pasta, Halfords Bike Hut and Madison.co.uk being the three teams separated by just one point at the top of the table.

Organised rides, fun days, repair workshops, cycle instruction, commute-to-work challenges – all the fun of Bike Week 09 is here, and to give road.cc users a flavour of what’s going on across the country, we’ve linked a selection of towns and cities involved in Bike Week activities to stories from their local paper.

Now, it is only a snapshot, so don’t be too aggrieved if your place of residence isn’t on here. We’ll update this list during the week and try to include as many links as possible on it.

In the meantime, it’s a good idea to visit Bike Week’s official website at www.bikeweek.org.uk and check to see what’s happening in your area.

Sheffield - www.thestar.co.uk

Bolton - www.thisislancashire.co.uk

Eastbourne - www.eastbourneherald.co.uk

York - www.thepress.co.uk

Halifax - www.halifaxcourier.co.uk

North Devon - www.thisisnorthdevon.co.uk

Cambridge - www.cambridge-news.co.uk

Evesham - www.eveshamjournal.co.uk

Exeter - www.thisisexeter.co.uk

Southend - www.echo-news.co.uk

Dudley - www.stourbridgenews.co.uk

Crosby - www.crosbyherald.co.uk
 

Harlow - www.harlowherald.co.uk

Diss - www.dissexpress.co.uk

Devon (Axe Valley) - www.midweekherald.co.uk

Gateshead - www.chroniclelive.co.uk

Northampton - www.northamptonchron.co.uk

Liverpool: www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk

Southport - www.southportvisiter.co.uk

Norwich - www.eveningnews24.co.uk

Winchester - www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk

Wandsworth - www.wandsworthguardian.co.uk

Walsall - www.thisiswalsallonline.co.uk

Sale - www.messengernewspapers.co.uk

Formby - www.formbytimes.co.uk

Rochdale - www.rochdaleonline.co.uk

Harlow - www.harlowherald.co.uk

Widnes - www.runcornandwidnesweeklynews.co.uk

Portsmouth - www.portsmouth.co.uk