BBC Presenter Jeremy Vine supports the launch of Bike Week 2018

Delivered by Cycling UK and hosted at the Dutch Embassy in London, the event welcomed over 100 professionals from the world of cycling including providers Raleigh and Halfords, along with Government departments and ministers including the Roads Minister, Jesse Norman MP.

As part of the celebration launching Bike Week, guests also enjoyed a social cycle ride from the Embassy by Kensington Gardens to the House of Lords marking the annual All Party Parliamentary Bike Ride.

TV presenter, broadcaster and journalist Jeremy Vine said: “As a frequent cyclist myself, I would encourage everyone to consider the benefits of cycling as part of your everyday routine – it’s social, it’s healthy, it’s a great way to commute and it’s also fun.

“I’m supporting Bike Week 2018 and organisations like Cycling UK to increase awareness of how valuable cycling is to our fitness, society and environment. If you haven’t cycled for ages, or you’ve been thinking about it but not taken the plunge, then Bike Week is the time to get on your bike and go for a ride. You may even find it’s the best way to get to work (and you’re guaranteed your own seat).”

Each year, Bike Week encourages every day cycling for everyone and is set to add another 500,000 people to the 5 million who already cycle three times or more a week.

Across the country, hundreds of great events will be taking place suitable for cyclists of all ages and levels of experience, from family friendly rides to training; and cycle maintenance to bike breakfasts, even naked bike rides – providing accessible and fun opportunities for people to get back into the saddle for the summer.

With cycling becoming more popular than ever, increasing numbers of people are taking up cycling as an easy and efficient way to travel. However, there are a range of perceived barriers like road conditions and safety that, if addressed, would encourage a greater number of people to cycle as part of everyday life.

Cycling UK’s Chief Executive, Paul Tuohy said: “We have bold ambitions to get a million more people cycling. Believe it or not, Bike Week is in its 95th year this year and although much has evolved and changed in that time, as a charity we continue to inspire and help people to get on their bikes, whatever kind of cycling they do or would like to do.

“It is vital that through events like today, we bring together a wide range of organisations and leaders so together we can achieve our ambition; from political parties to transport providers, we all play a part in order to get the UK cycling. Bike Week is just the start of what promises to be a great summer of cycling.”

Visit www.bikeweek.org.uk to find out more and see what events are happening near you.