ON YER BIKE! Teignbridge District Council leader Gordon Hook (left) and the authority’s managing director Phil Shears are setting an example by sitting in the saddle during Bike Week.

The pair have swapped four wheels for two to promote the dual virtues of helping the environment and keeping fit.

During Bike Week, which gets into gear tomorrow and runs ’til June 16, the council will be offering free bike rides and cycle maintenance checks with Dr Bike.

On Tuesday from noon to 2pm there will be a cycle information stand at Teignbridge’s Forde House head office where details about local cycle initiatives can be found, including route planning as well as information on safe cycling from Travel Devon.

INVITED

On the same day, elected authority members are being invited to take part in a social group bike ride organised by Cllr Jackie Hook, Teignbridge’s executive portfolio holder for climate change emergency and housing. They hit the road at 6pm from Forde House.

On Thursday Dr Bike cycle checks will be made at Teignbridge’s Forde House head office from noon ’til 2pm. Everyone is welcome to attend to put their bike through an MOT.

On the same day, parents and children can take part in an Active Mums & Dads bike ride.

‘These events are specifically designed for people who want to do something active with their tots and toddlers. The ride starts at 10.30am from the Pro Cycle Centre Bike Shop, Wharf Road, Newton Abbot. Bikes, trailers, seats and high-vis jackets are provided,’ said a Teignbridge spokesman.

Teignbridge’s Active Leisure staff will be doing an ‘Active Mums & Dads’ promotional ride through Newton Abbot town centre on Thursday between 10.30am and 11.30am to encourage more families and parents to have a go at cycling with a trailer and their little ones. Visit www.letsride.co.uk for details.

Cllr Andrew MacGregor, Teignbridge District Council’s executive portfolio holder for sport, recreation and culture, said: ‘Bike Week is a great opportunity for anyone to hop on a bike and go cycling.

‘Being out and about on two wheels offers lots of health and well-being benefits as well as being kind to the environment. Teignbridge is holding a series of events for people to come along to and I would encourage them to sign up for Love to Ride Devon’s June challenge for the chance to win prizes.’

Teignbridge is working with Love to Ride Devon to support Bike Week. The group will be offering daily giveaways ranging from bike shop gift vouchers to vouchers for a European city break. Prizes will also be on offer on Clean Air Day on June 20.

The theme of this year’s Bike Week is #7DaysofCycling and everyone who signs up to take part is being encouraged to ride seven times during Bike Week.

experience

People can share photos, videos or stories about their experience on social media using the #7DaysofCycling hashtag, or use the stories feature on the Love to Ride Devon website.

They can take part by logging in or registering on www.lovetoride.net/devon.

A number of community group rides for all can be found at www.letsride.co.uk organised by Teignbridge with HSBC UK Breeze rides and Mid Devon Cycling Club before, during and after Bike Week.