 Saddling up in the sunshine at Bikeathon
More than 400 people enjoyed perfect cycling weather as they took part in the annual Wokingham Bikeathon last Sunday (22 June).
The community event, run by volunteers since 2008, offered four routes of 15, 26, 36 and 51 miles plus a shorter Kidical Mass route for younger children.
Lots of local clubs took part including Sprockets Cycle Club and Wokingham Cycle Club, and many businesses and community groups gave their support.
Our My Journey Wokingham active travel team were there to give cycling advice and also led several guided adult rides in the run-up to the big day.
Riders were given sustainable finishers' medals and cheered loudly across the line before enjoying well-earned refreshments on the event field at Cantley Park.
Proceeds will benefit The Cowshed, which provides clothing and other essentials to local people in need, whatever their background.
 A well-supported community effort
This year's supporters included Leightons Opticians, ARC Wokingham Youth Counselling, 1st Emmbrook Scouts, Sprocket & Gear, Ferdi's workshop, De Novo Velo, Headway Thames Valley, WATCH Wokingham, Beyond First Aid, Sprockets Cycle Club, Nuffield Health, Bluebell Box and Stewart Turkington Photography.
Sprockets Cycle Club provided a cycling skills course, while Wokingham Cycle Club managed signage and checked all routes were open on the day.
Other cycling clubs included: Breeze Network Bracknell Forest & Wokingham - a ladies only group; Wokingham u3a; and the colourful jerseys of Team Raggamuffin.
 Pedal power can deliver the goods for business!
One of the stars of this year's Wokingham Bikeathon was our electric cargo bike, which is part of a fleet that's available for free hire to local businesses.
E-cargo bikes are a cost-effective alternative to using small delivery vehicles, have a large loading capacity and don't produce any carbon emissions.
It's a lot easier as you don't need to find a parking space and they can help you reach your destination quicker, without waiting in traffic.
Our Urban Arrow models can carry between 300 and 600 litres of cargo and have a range of up to 45 miles, with a top assisted speed of just over 15mph.
They have a lockable storage box attached and can be charged from the mains in about three hours.
If you'd like to give it a go without any upfront costs, get in touch with the team.
 Having fun with the community in all weathers
Our My Journey team also attended the Winnersh Summer Fete on Saturday 21 June, along with Dr Bike who provided free checks and repairs.
Despite our leaflets getting a soaking in a brief downpour, it was so hot for the rest of the day that they dried out again in minutes!
The heat didn't deter children from riding on Pedalicious, our signature smoothie bike, and enjoying a healthy treat for their efforts.
Dr Bike will be providing free checks at other events this summer, so check out our events page - but don't forget you have to book in advance.
 Pedal to work for some awesome prizes
The UK's biggest cycling commuting event returns on 3 July 2025!
Cycle to Work Day helps everyone to enjoy the mental, physical and financial benefits of cycling, however experienced they are - including absolute beginners.
There's also a chance to win some incredible prizes:
- A Raleigh Modum, the ultimate e-bike for urban riding (RRP £2,650)
- Two lastminute.com £250 e-gifts towards your next holiday
- Four TFL annual bike subscriptions for Santander Cycles
- Five £100 One4all e-gifts
 Fixing and securing your bike on trips out
If you're cycling around the borough, you'll find bike repair stands at:
- The Bia Hub, Twyford
- Waitrose, Twyford
- Winnersh railway station
- Winnersh Triangle railway station
- Bulmershe Leisure Centre, Woodley
- Carnival Hub, Wokingham
- Wokingham railway station
There are also bike pumps at:
- Elms Field, Wokingham
- Peach Place, Wokingham
And there's lockable cycle storage, which you can book online, at:
- Carnival Hub, Wokingham
- Denmark Street Car Park, Wokingham
We're offering FREE adult cycle lessons for those who would like to learn to ride a bike or those who haven't been on a bike for a while and need some refresher training. Please contact us for more information.
 Pupils put best foot forward for led walk
We recently helped at a led walk with Westende Junior School in Wokingham, which involved two classes of Year 5 pupils.
It was focused on finding safe routes to the secondary schools they'll be going to and included classroom sessions.
As part of our efforts to encourage active school runs, we've produced leaflets with more information including the benefits of walking or cycling.
Smoothies bring science and climate benefits to life
Some 450 children learned about the benefits of cycling to school at Evendons Primary School's science fair, which we attended on 19 June.
As well as offering rides on our smoothie bike, we gave out information explaning how much carbon you can save by cutting back on car travel.
The following day, we brought the smoothie bike to a sustainability fair at Holme Grange School in Wokingham.
Pupils spun a prize wheel to win a ride - and we were pleased to see some winners sharing their smoothies with their friends!
Just over a week to enter active travel art competition
We're asking Wokingham Borough schoolchildren to create a collage of things they like to see on their active journeys to school.
This can be in the form of drawings or photos, ideally at A4 size. We'd also like you to write a short sentence on why you like what you see.
Please send your entries to us by Monday, 7 July. The winning design gets a £50 book token, with a £25 and £15 book token for the runners-up.
 Free event gives the lowdown on electric vehicles
If you're interested in electric vehicles (EVs) but are worried about costs or charging, you can book free tickets to find out more on Friday 11 July.
Our first awareness event at Winnersh Triangle Business Park is open to local businesses as well as residents who are thinking of switching. This is your chance to:
- Test drive a range of EVs from local dealerships
- Learn about available grants and how much money you could save
- Network with EV industry specialists who can provide advice
- Check out presentations about creating a net zero transport system
The event is organised in partnership with Let's Experience Electric, Winnersh Triangle Business Park and all six Berkshire councils.
Experts giving advice on the day will include the Energy Saving Trust and the University of Reading.
 Upcoming activities and events
- Free Balance Bike Club at FBC in Finchampstead (Wednesdays)
- Free Balance Bike Club at Woodford Park Leisure Centre in Woodley (Thursdays)
- Learn to Ride sessions (£10) at FBC in Finchampstead (Wednesdays)
- Learn to Ride sessions (£10) at Woodford Park Leisure Centre in Woodley (Thursdays)
- Woky Wheels 4 All at FBC in Finchampstead (Thursdays 10am and 11am)
- Dr Bike (FREE bike checks) at Family Fun Day at Lower Earley Library on Friday, 25 July (10am to 12pm)
- Dr Bike (FREE bike checks) at Shinfield Green on Thursday, 7 August (11am to 1.30pm)
- Dr Bike (FREE bike checks) at Stables Cafe, Arborfield on Saturday, 9 August (9am to 12pm)
- Bike Bonanza at Coronation Hall, Woodley on Thursday, 21 August from 11am to 2pm - My Journey along with Dr Bike
- Dr Bike (FREE bike checks) at Cantley Park Cafe, Wokingham on Saturday, 6 September (9am to 12pm)
- Dr Bike (FREE bike checks) at Stables Cafe, Arborfield on Saturday, 20 September (9am to 12pm)
For more information on our regular cycle training and activities, visit our website. or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter).
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