Celebrating Bike Week with Fife Council

Bike Week (5 – 11 June) is an annual celebration of cycling that promotes its numerous benefits for individuals, communities, and the environment.?In celebration of Bike Week, we caught up with Kirsteen Durkin, Active Communities Manager (acting) from Fife Council to find out more about the range of activity taking place across the region for everyone to enjoy. The activity is supported through EventScotland’s Community Cycling Fund (Round 2) in celebration of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

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The Mountain Bike Dirt Crit has already taken place where over 70 riders signed up to take part. Why is it so important for the local community to get on their bikes???

We aim to encourage participation in cycling events as it is a wonderful opportunity to experience a fun, friendly introduction to bigger events and racing.?It is important to create social opportunities to create lasting friendships and fun memories so that people will continue to take part.?Cycling is great fun and creates one of the first ways that children can travel in their community independently. Playing outdoors is essential for well-being and cycling helps you maintain and develop fitness from an early age and throughout your life.??

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With Bike Week now underway, how would you recommend people celebrate the power of the bike over the coming days?

Jump on your bike more, for short journeys down the street or longer adventures, every pedal stroke counts.?Playing on bikes is so good for development, fundamental movement as well as core strength.?Is it as important for adults as it is for children. There's a number of different options not only the type of bike (BMX, mountain, hybrid) but also 3 or 4 wheels, with support riders, as well as ones that are for wheelchair users.??

There's also no need for a screen, distract yourself by being in nature.?Find a new route and encourage your family to connect with nature. Everyone comes home in a better mood.?

You have four more events taking place over June and July. Can you tell us a little bit more about what you have in store for cycling fans in Fife?

We have 4 more rounds of our introductory 'Kingdom Crits' series of events.?Each one is a different type of cycle. We have speedway, road cycling and cyclocross still to come as well as another mountain bike event.?Each event has the option to ride the course or to race on it.?Participants all get points for taking part, certificates, and stickers as well as medals and prizes for podium places.?Each event is free and carefully designed to ensure it is inviting and encouraging for new riders and racers. Many children have not had any opportunity to take part in events before so it could be daunting, however our friendly team are on hand to ensure everyone knows what to expect and to help demystify the world of cycle events.?

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The Men's Elite?road race?will be passing through Fife on Sunday 6 August as part of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. This will be a great opportunity to see the world’s best cyclists in action but what other activity can people get involved with to celebrate the power of the bike???

Entering the Kingdom Crits for starters.?For more information visit the website to sign-up.

We have cycle coaching for all ages and stages at Fife Cycle Park - join our mailing list [email protected] for details of events and activities throughout the year.?We have beginner learn to ride sessions for adults and children and we have rider development sessions as well as a brand-new squad for children and young people who are keen on cycling and would like to be more involved and get the opportunity to try all types of cycling as part of this group.?We also have a fantastic 'Couch to Crit' coaching and riding session for adults looking to build up fitness, return to the sport, or ride socially at a pace that works for all.??

We have many cycle clubs and groups in Fife if you visit the Scottish Cycling website you can find affiliated clubs in your area.?Or email [email protected] to find out more.?There are community groups who deliver led rides too.??

We also would love to see West Fife lined with supporters to cheer the race on and see the riders up close as they pass through our towns and villages.

Visit the Fife Council website to find the Fife route

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And finally, there are many excellent cycle routes across Fife. Where would you recommend and what can riders hope to see and do along the way?

Explore Fife on wheels.?We have miles of open spaces, coastal paths, dedicated venues- Lochore Meadows Country Park, Fife Cycle Park, Middleden Mountain Bike Trails, Kennoway Pump Track, Cycle Speedway QAHS and Gallatown Pump Track.?Many towns have shared used paths to explore and many other quiet routes linking communities.??

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