Our Ultimate Guide to Bike Week 2024

Welcome to Bike Week 2024 UK, the annual celebration of all things two-wheeled! This exciting event, held in the UK, brings together passionate cyclists across the country. 

National Bike Week serves a dual purpose. Firstly it aims to promote cycling as an eco-friendly and healthy mode of transportation. Secondly, it simply encourages people to experience the joy of bike riding. 

Read on to learn about the history of the day and what’s happening this year.  

World Bike Day 

Before we get into Bike Week UK, we have World Bike Day which takes place on the 3rd of June.  

This annual event highlights the power of bicycles as a sustainable and accessible means of transportation.  

The day also aims to promote the many benefits of cycling. These include improved physical and mental health, reduced carbon emissions, and enhanced mobility.     

Bike Week Purpose & History 

Now onto the main event, Bike Week UK 2024, which kicks off on the 10th of June. The event has a rich history dating back to its inception in 1923. It has since evolved into a week-long festival filled with fun rides and community events.  

Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just starting your biking journey, Bike Week UK offers something you can get involved with.

Date & Duration 

This year, Bike Week will run from the 10th to the 16th of June 2024. Look out for local events in your area, as many workplaces and schools take part.  

Who Organises Bike Week 

Bike Week UK is organised by Cycling UK. It is a leading charity dedicated to promoting cycling and encouraging people to cycle for transport, leisure, and fitness. 

With a long history dating back to 1878, Cycling UK has been at the forefront of championing the benefits of cycling.  

The charity collaborates with various partners, local communities, and cycling organisations to create a diverse and engaging program of events.  

Benefits 

Bike Week and cycling in general offer a multitude of benefits that extend beyond the environment. It's no secret that transportation is a major contributor to emissions in the UK. This makes it important to examine how we get around, and how we can reduce emissions.  

Cycling plays a vital role in reducing emissions, whether it's for commuting or any other business journey. Cycling is also known to enhance physical health and save money for individuals.   

Bike Week encourages workplaces across the UK to participate in cycling events and promote eco-friendly transportation. 

Studies have shown that employees who cycle are happier, more productive, take fewer sick days, and tend to stay longer in their roles. Cycling is also great for your family and your child’s mental health.  

Bike Week serves as the ideal opportunity to encourage colleagues to embrace active travel. 

Activities & Initiatives 

There are a number of Bike Week activities, including community rides and challenges that are promoted on their website. Also, keep an eye out for events in your local area.  

Community Rides 

There are many community rides taking place across the country to mark Bike Week. For example, in Hull cyclists are invited to a ride from Trinity Square to the P&O Terminal.   

In Preston on Saturday 13th July, Preston Pedals will be hosting a social group ride starting at the UCLan sports arena, near the Whistle Stop Café.

Meanwhile, in Belfast, cyclists are invited to meet on the 14th for Ride on Belfast. The route begins at Queen’s University and travels through Belfast city centre before finishing at the City Hall for a free breakfast.  

We encourage you to search for events in your local area to get involved.  

Bike Challenges 

To celebrate Bike Week, Cycling UK is running a series of simple challenges:

• Replace a short local trip you’d normally make by car
• Take the kids out for a bike ride – perhaps even cycle to school
• Encourage friends to join you on a ride
• Join a Bike Week event in your local area – check for events close by
• Find a Big Bike Revival partner delivering events near you and access FREE help to cycle locally
• Inspire others, post a selfie, or pictures of your bike ride or journey on social media. Use the hashtags #BikeWeekUK and #BikeHero

Commuter Challenges 

During Bike Week UK, one of the main focuses is on addressing commuters. Bike Week wants to promote cycling over driving or using public transport to get to work.  

Commuting can often be a stressful and time-consuming experience, but cycling offers an exciting alternative.   

Cycling UK is promoting the following workplace challenges: 

• Host a bike breakfast or reward day: Reward those who ride to work during Bike Week with a special welcome meal. Or, for those who work remotely gift them an hour to go for a Bike Week ride locally. 

• Promote your cycling offers: An opportunity to showcase your Cycle Friendly Employer accreditation or Cycle to Work scheme. 

• Buddy scheme: Find someone who doesn’t regularly commute by bike and join them on the journey – if you have a group of cyclists, you could start a bike bus to accompany those who are less confident

Participation 

There are a number of ways for you to get involved in Bike Week 2024: 

• Look for Bike Week events in your local area. 

• Take part in or create a cycling event with your workplace. 

• Take in Cycling UK's challenges above.

• Swap out the car and public transport for a bike. 

Get Riding with Bike Club 

If you or your children want to take part in Bike Week, why not check out our range of bikes? We have kids bikes of all styles, from balance bikes to mountain bikes, from top brands and available on subscription.  

But don’t feel left out as an adult, we have great bikes for you too. You can take your child for a cycle on a road bike, mountain bike, or even a BMX bike! Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date with all things Bike Club.