People across Coventry are being urged to get on their bike next week as Coventry City Council joins in ’National Bike Week’. The campaign is co-ordinated by ‘CTC’ (the country’s largest cycling club) and the British Heart Foundation as well as local councils up and down the UK. All the partners involved want to encourage you to have fun, get fit and feel free.

Though it may not seem so to those of us more used to cars or couches, cycling can be great fun and a convenient way to travel. Getting on your bike will enable you to explore the city at a more leisurely pace and perhaps to discover new areas and routes.

According to the British Medical Association, cycling is one of the simplest and most effective means of getting fit. In fact regular cycling can make you as fit as an average person 10 years younger. Of course, riding a bike is not just good for you, it’s good for the environment too. More short car journeys made by bike would mean cleaner air, quieter neighbourhoods and safer streets for everybody.

"On your bike, you can set off when you want, not when the bus timetable says you have to," said Councillor Heather Parker.

"You can shoot past drivers as they fume in their traffic jams and park right outside to your destination. Coventry City Council hopes to encourage as many people as possible to give the bike a go this week, not just because it’s good for the environment but because it’s good for you too!"