Two-wheeled fun this October for Love Your Bike Month
October 2013 is Shropshire’s fourth annual Love Your Bike Month. A range of great free activities are planned throughout October to help Shropshire residents have fun on their bikes and prepare themselves for winter cycling.
Claire Wild, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for cycling, said:
“We are thrilled to be able to offer ‘Love Your Bike Month’ for the fourth year running.
“As the days get shorter, it’s even more important for people to be visible on their bikes and this is a great opportunity for residents to get some reflective items to help ensure they can continue to cycle safely over the winter.
“There are also exciting events available throughout October to help people to build their cycling confidence and skills or simply enjoy being out and about on their bikes.”
There are a number of fantastic free family events during October. Saturday 12 October at Oswestry Library will host four hours of events for cycling day, including a family bike ride to the Oswestry Hillfort at 1pm. However, the events start at 11am and include art activities for children, puncture repair demonstrations and Dr Bike safety checks. Dr Bike will also be in Oswestry town centre on Saturday 19 October 2013, 10am-1pm in Festival Square.
Another highlight is the cycling Halloween party at Shrewsbury Sports Village on Wednesday 30 October 2013. The party will include a sunset ride around the Sports Village cycle track, Dr Bike safety checks, face painting and lots of ghoulish games.
There will also be plenty on offer to entertain kids during half-term, with family bike rides in Shrewsbury, Ludlow and Colemere as well as ‘learn to ride’ sessions for children who want to ride without stabilisers in Shrewsbury on Tuesday 29 October.
For those who haven’t been on a bike for a while or can’t cycle, the Pedal for Health taster day at Shrewsbury Sports Village on 31 October 2013 includes bicycle try-outs, short rideabouts and a cycle surgery for any questions about bikes and cycling. Shropshire Council also offers free one-to-one cycle training for adults and you can request a session here.
Guided social cycle rides are another great way to build up confidence on a bicycle. Women on Wheels rides in Shrewsbury and Oswestry are tailored towards women who are nervous about cycling alone or want to get back to cycling after a break. New beginners’ rides will take place in Shrewsbury on the first Wednesday of the month, with slightly longer rides on the first Sunday of the month. Women may also be interested in the group riding skills course at Shrewsbury Sports Village on 12 October 2013.
Residents of Shropshire who sign up to receive Travel Shropshire e-newsletters during October 2013 will receive a free winter cycling pack from Shropshire Council. Packs contain a selection of items to make you more visible on your bike including reflective vests, slappits and stickers, bike lights and spoke reflectors. There will also be free bicycle maintenance classes in Shrewsbury, Ludlow and Oswestry and you can book online here.
Love Your Bike Month sees October packed full of activities on two wheels. You can find all the details of Love Your Bike Month events, including times and dates and booking forms, by clicking here or by calling 01743 253008.
