PEOPLE across East Sussex are being urged to employ pedal power for their daily journeys as part of a national celebration of cycling.

Bike Week runs from Saturday, June 8 to Sunday, June 16 2019, during which time residents are being urged to ditch the car and take to two wheels for trips to work and school.

As well as the health benefits, cycling can help to cut congestion and air pollution in the county’s busy towns and villages.

Cllr Bill Bentley, the county council’s lead member communities and safety, said: “Every day thousands of cars take to the roads for journeys to work or school, with one in five cars on the road during morning rush hour taking children to school.

“As well as the obvious health benefits, taking to the road on a bike will reduce congestion and help improve the air quality and make our busy towns and villages safer.

“I hope Bike Week will inspire people to rethink their journeys, leave their cars at home and find a greener and healthier way to travel to work or school.  You never know, it might be a healthy habit that sticks.”

For those who feel less confident on a bike, East Sussex County Council’s Bikeability team offers courses for adults and children, teaching practical skills and build confidence and understanding of how to cycle on today’s roads.

As well as delivering courses, the team visits schools across the county and, by the end of Bike Week, will have delivered 39 Bikeability courses in 20 East Sussex schools.

For more information about Bikeability, the training offered and how to book a place on a summer holiday course visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk/bikeability   Alternatively, email cycle.training@eastsussex.gov.uk or call 01273 335795.

To find out more about Bike Week 2019 and how to get involved visit https://www.cyclinguk.org/bikeweek

Information about safe cycling routes in East Sussex is available at https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/leisureandtourism/countryside/cycling/guidesandmaps/