People are being urged to rethink their everyday journeys as part of Bike Week which runs from 11 to 19 June.

Bike Week is a national event that provides an opportunity to promote the benefits of cycling for everyone and this year’s event has a special focus on cycling to work.

Jan Brabin, Bury Council’s senior road safety officer, said: "Cycling can have many social, health and environmental benefits, but it is also the fun element of cycling that encourages so many to make it part of everyday life. Even by using your bike occasionally whether you are travelling to school, the shops, to see friends or to work, we can make small steps to more regular journeys on our bikes.

“Some people choose not to cycle because they lack confidence - they perceive it as being too dangerous or it has been too long since they rode a bike: however, there are now so many opportunities for training to help people make the most of their bikes at a level that suits them. There has also been an expansion of both local on-road and off road facilities to help people make safer and more comfortable cycle journeys.

“People may be surprised by the availability of cycle training and bike maintenance courses that different providers offer. Some are designed to get more people using their bikes for leisure and some are there to offer practical training for those wishing to make more road journeys.”

Transport for Greater Manchester offers adult cycle training courses and it also has maps for the cycle facilities in Bury on its website: http://cycling.tfgm.com.

Cycling UK also has a full list of local and regional cycle training providers listed on its website:http://www.cyclinguk.org/

Any women and girls wanting to find out about fun, social, local bike rides should visit the ‘I Will if You Will’ campaign website: http://www.iwillifyouwill.co.uk/

The local Clarence Park ‘Wheels For All’ offer projects provides the opportunity for children, young people and adults with disabilities and differing needs to engage in fun cycling activities.

The Nationwide Cycling Academy is currently delivering Bikeability training to local schools on behalf of the council. Some 1,400 children are expected to take part in learning riding skills and bike maintenance.