Celebrity cyclist Dawn Porter and MPs kick-start Team Green Britain Bike Week 2011

15 Jun 2011

Team Green Britain Bike Week, the UK’s biggest mass participation cycling event launched today at the EDF Energy London Eye, with the first of hundreds of ‘Bike Fixes’ which will roll out around the country between 18-26 June 2011.

Spike Taylor, former Team GB chief mechanic, kicked off ‘Britain’s Biggest Bike Fix’ with Dawn Porter and several MPs as they launched the week with the annual All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group bike ride around Westminster - starting at the EDF Energy London Eye and finishing at the House of Lords.

Team Green Britain Bike Week is aiming for ‘Britain’s Biggest Bike Fix’, an ambitious attempt to mend over 10,000 bikes and liberate the multitude of unused bikes from sheds across the country - by encouraging people to dig them out, get punctures fixed, brakes adjusted and gears tuned at events around the country.

Phillip Darnton, Bicycle Association’s Executive Director says: ‘We know that 77% of people in the UK own a bike, but only 14% use them regularly and a major barrier to people getting back on two wheels is often something as simple to fix as a dodgy brake or puncture.

So we want anyone with a bike, who wants to get it roadworthy, to take part in ‘Britain’s Biggest Bike Fix’. We are urging new and lapsed cyclists to check out www.bikeweek.org.uk to find out details of their nearest event to re-discover how cycling helps you get fit, have fun and feel free’.

Dawn Porter, TV presenter and keen cyclist says: ‘Cycling is my favourite way to get around town but I never leave home without my trusty puncture repair kit and Allen key! I encourage everyone to get to a Team Green Britain Bike Week event to pick up a few useful cycle maintenance tips and take advantage of the bike fixes to help you make the most of cycling in the summer months’

Team Green Britain Bike Week runs from 18-26 June 2011 and is for everyone from total novices to passionate cyclists. The opportunity to get your bike fixed is just one of the attractions of the events – to find details of your nearest event visit ww.bikeweek.org.uk

In 2011 Team Green Britain Bike Week is funded by EDF Energy and the cycling industry via Bike Hub.