June news
Warm up for Bike2Work Day
Portsmouth's annual bike-to-work day is coming soon - and this weekend there's an ideal opportunity to get up to speed.
On Sunday (8 June), Portsmouth City Council is holding a free cycle day at the Mountbatten Centre, where residents can grab cycling goodies, pick up tips, and get their bikes checked over.
The event, from 10am to 4pm, will include:
- free cycle refresher sessions
- free bike maintenance sessions
- free Dr Bike health checks for bikes
- free bike security coding
- free advice about cycling in Portsmouth, including best routes
- cycling-related freebies
Council Bike2Work organiser Amanda Morris said: "If people are worried about cycling in traffic, want to know how to mend a puncture or are not sure if their bike is safe, they can pop down to the Mountbatten Centre on Sunday and we would love to meet them.
"We'll be at the cycle track, which you can reach from the cycle route alongside Tipner Lake or the car park to the south of the Mountbatten Centre.
"The day is a great way to warm up for Portsmouth's Bike2Work Day, Tuesday 17 June.
"If you're thinking of taking part in Bike2Work, or just doing a bit more cycling, then the event on Sunday is a great way to get a bit of help and a confidence boost."
Portsmouth Bike2Work day is part of National Bike Week and the Hampshire Cycle Festival. For more information residents can contact Amanda on (023) 9284 1332 or amanda.morris@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
Or see:
Events during Bike2Work Week, 14-22 June, include:
- Every day: Free trips on the Gosport ferry for the week
- 17 June, 10am-4pm: Bike2Work Day event in Guildhall Square with free bike checks, free security coding, free cycling to work books, bike maps, advice and safety products
- 18 June: Schools Cycle Challenge at Mountbatten Centre, all day
- 19 June, 7pm: Free cycle maintenance for women at CycleWorld, 3 London Road,
North End. Call 9266 6500 to book. - 20 June: Free cycle ride led by Friends of the Earth, start 5pm in Guildhall Square.
Why bike to work?
- At peak times bikes average 10-12 mph while cars travel 8-12 mph
- No need to pay to park
- Save money on running costs
- Get to work quicker
- More reliable journey times
- Health benefits
- Reduce your carbon footprint
- Help reduce congestion
How to get started
- Plan your route
- Get your bike ready
- Take some work clothes in the day before
- Find out where you can lock your bike