CYCLISTS across Devon are encouraging others to join them by taking to two wheels during Bike Week, June 14-22.

Bike Week is the biggest cyc-ling event in the UK, and last year over half a million people nationwide were encouraged to join in events and rethink their everyday journeys.

During the week the Travel Devon Roadshow will be visiting the Magnolia Centre in Exmouth on June 16 and Newton Abbot town centre on June 20, when the team will have cycling information on initiatives such as adult cycle confidence sessions.

Helena Freeman, of Devon County Council’s Public Health team, is a keen cyclist and is planning to cycle 55 miles to work from Appledore to Exeter during Bike Week on June 19.

Helena said: “Bike Week’s a great opportunity to make our morning commute a little special.

“It’s a bit of a long way, so I'm not sure how long it’s going to take.

“I felt that because I work with the public health team I should be doing my bit for championing a healthy commute to work.

“Living so far away means cycling to work isn’t something I can do every day, but I’ll be relishing the challenge, and the training will be improving my fitness, health and well-being.”

Cllr Stuart Hughes, county council cabinet member for highway management, said: “It’s encouraging that people are taking up cycling for their commute to work and many more are going to make the effort to go that extra mile during Bike Week.

“Cycling’s a great family activity – it’s free, healthy and fun, and it encourages children to be independent.

“As well the health benefits there are plenty of good reasons to ride a bike.

“If you’re commuting by bike you can avoid traffic jams, save on parking and fuel.

“Over half of car journeys are less than five miles, so swapping them for an easy 30-minute bike ride can save you a small fortune in fuel costs.