Adults across the county are being encouraged to take on the Suffolk Bike Week Challenge and be in with the chance to win a brand new bike.

This year’s Bike Week takes place between the 13th and 21st June. To celebrate this national event Suffolk County Council are inviting residents to record the number of kilometres they cycle each day for the duration of the week.

The countywide competition is just one of a range of activities to be organised in Suffolk. On Monday 15th June, free bike health checks will be available in the Cornhill, Ipswich between 11.30am and 14.30pm; and on Wednesday 17th June outside the main entrance of the Buttermarket Shopping Centre. Expert advice will be provided by Pedal Power on the Monday and Elmy Cycles on the Wednesday.

In Bury St Edmunds, a trick bicycle stunt show will be held at arc Shopping Centre between the hours of 11.30am and 2.30pm. Spectators are invited to go along to see the show and enter a competition to win one of the bikes.

Mike Motteram, Suffolk County Council's Road Safety & Travel Plan Manager urged adults to take up the Suffolk Bike Week Challenge. “These events present a great opportunity and fun way to demonstrate to people that by doing a little they can achieve a lot. Cycling short distances for work or other purposes can have significant benefits on the environment, people’s bank balance and their health and well-being. In Suffolk, raising awareness of the health benefits is key.”

Mike went on to say, “We hope that Bike Week will leave a lasting legacy by showing people how possible and enjoyable cycling can be, which may in turn kick start a change in travel habits and lifestyles.”