Friday 14 June 2013

'Tis the Season to be Cycling

An early summer round-up of things going on:

Bike to School Week is just drawing to a close, but if you missed it, you needn't miss out on doing something anyway.  Sustrans have lots of useful resources on their website to encourage cycling to school: see

www.sustrans.org.uk/change-your-travel/children-and-families/schools/bike-school-week?dm_i=6EB%2C1JULN%2C1D4965%2C5B7AO%2C1

School Bike Sales - Spokes factsheet on how to organise one available

Second-hand bike sales are very useful in encouraging people to start cycling by making it easier to get an affordable bike, especially first bikes for children and replacements for out-grown bikes.  They can also be a good way to fundraise and are a popular social event for schools, youth groups, scouts/guides, church groups etc. 

Worth thinking about for the autumn for schools or groups you are involved with? - plan now to get everything lined up over the summer.

www.spokes.org.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/How-to-Run-a-Bike-Sale-v3.pdf
[pdf 1.1MB]  Downloadable only – not available printed.
Printed factsheets on cycling with children are also available from Spokes - How to be a Cycling Family, and How to get Your Child Cycling.  [These can be downloaded too - see www.spokes.org.uk/wordpress/documents/advice/commuting-with-kids/]   
 
* If you could use any copies at events (School Sports Days, summer fairs etc) or linked to bike training sessions, contact WeansOnWheels or spokes@spokes.org.uk *

Forthcoming Cycling Events

 Join in the Edinburgh Festival of Cycling!  15 - 23 June 2013 all around Edinburgh
Full programme details at www.edfoc.org.uk
Twitter: @edfoc
Facebook: EdinburghFestivalofCycling


Many many events; just a few are listed below.

- Sat 15th June - Edinburgh to St Andrews Cycle RideNow in its 33rd year, this is a friends and family sponsored event for LEPRA, following a 68 mile route from Edinburgh to St Andrews through scenic Fife. It is well signposted with refreshment stops, bus and van transport back to Edinburgh.
All sponsorship to LEPRA Changing the lives of people affected by disease, poverty and prejudice.
You can book online or register on the day. Entry £10 or £5 concession.
Bus returning you and bike to Edinburgh: £14 – Please book your place on the bus at same time you register. Starts from Inverleith Park at 08:45.

www.leprahealthinaction.org

Good luck to everyone doing it!

Wed 19th June - Spokes Bike Breakfast Edinburgh City Chambers (Royal Mile) 7.45-9.45.

Free breakfast for you and oil for your bike; Edinburgh Bike Coop, police security marking, free Spokes maps for the first 20 to arrive (after 7.45); stalls, leaflets; speakers 8.45am - Cllr Jim Orr, Alison Johnstone MSP (co-convenor Cross Party Group on Cycling)

Sat 22 June  - "Heels on Wheels" ladies day of cycling 
On the Meadows from 11:00 – 15:00; aims to be an inspiring, inclusive and educational FREE event.
Sarah Boyack and Alison Johnstone MSP's will be speaking to open the event at 12pm, as well as Juliana Buhring - the fastest women to cycle the globe.
Stalls, info, cycle-chic market stalls, representatives from Cycling clubs (many cycling clubs are actively trying to encourage women to join).  Holly, bike mechanic from the Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative offering free mechanical advice; Chocolate Tree with their cargo trike selling ice cream and chocolate; bike smoothie maker; Cycling instructors; coffee, cake and ice cream… and lots of fun for everyone

More info at http://www.edfoc.org.uk/events/heels-on-wheels/
Extra helpers (or stalls) still very welcome - contact Tracy Griffin via the Edinburgh Festival of Cycling website