The Only Way is Cycling for Lydia Bright

Former TOWIE star Lydia Bright is calling on people across the UK to get on their bikes this summer and take part in Pedal On UK (16th August – 7th September), a UK-wide cycle tour of family-friendly bike rides and community festivals.

Organised by charity Sustrans and backed by the Big Lottery Fund’s Keeping the Spirit of 2012 Alive campaign, Pedal On UK will reignite the spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic torch relays as it travels through the country over a three week period.

Starting at the Olympic Park in London, a group of cyclists headed up by volunteers, celebrities and sports stars will take Pedal On UK to over 35 communities using the National Cycle Network, coordinated by Sustrans.

As the Pedal On UK riders pass through towns and cities they will set in motion a series of local bike rides and stop off at free community festivals in each region.

The celebrations mark the success of extending over 80 new walking and cycling networks into the heart of communities. With over 4 million people living within a mile of these networks, people of all ages and abilities can now get around their communities more easily.

Lydia Bright who will be cycling Pedal On UK at the start of its 1,000 mile journey in London said: “For me, the only way is cycling! Last year it was so exciting when Team GB pedalled their way to Olympic victory, and now Pedal On UK will make us fall in love with cycling all over again.”

With free community festivals and bike rides taking place across the country, there are lots of ways to get involved.

Members of the public can sign up to take part in a series of separate bike rides which will take place when Pedal On UK comes to their area. The rides which are open to people of all ages and abilities will take place in London, Southampton, Bristol, Birmingham, Ripley and Belfast.

Lydia added: “After my trip to India last year I couldn’t wait to get on my bike again, so it’s amazing to be part of Pedal On UK.”

“Whether it’s walking, cycling or using your upper body strength to get around in a wheelchair – travelling by foot or pedal power does wonders for your health and its fun too!
“So sign up to Pedal On UK and join me on the ride of the summer!”

There are limited places on each ride, so budding cyclists are advised to register now to secure their place: www.sustrans.org.uk/pedalonuk