Dust off those bikes and get everyone cycling is the message from Wokingham Borough Council’s road safety team this summer.

As well as running cycle training courses for children, the borough council will also be running supervised family cycle rides on Saturday mornings and cycling lessons for residents aged 50+ (for beginners or rusty cyclists).

The free family rides will be held on Saturday mornings, from 10am to 12noon, commencing on June 30 and continuing every Saturday until September 8. The rides will start and finish at the Dragonfly Café at Dinton Pastures Country Park, Davis Street, Hurst.

They are aimed at the inexperienced cyclist and will be led by the council’s trained ride leaders, at a gentle pace, so that no one gets left behind. There will be a choice of routes, starting with short easy rides but with the chance to progress to longer routes.

Children should be aged 8 years or over, must be accompanied by an adult and must wear a cycle helmet. The rides are free but the road safety team asks that customers book a place so that they have an idea of numbers. To book a place, please contact Jill Bissell, cycle training coordinator on (0118) 908 8208 or email: jill.bissell@wokingham.gov.uk

The cycling lessons for over 50’s are part of the SHINE scheme to promote healthy exercise. These lessons will be run off-road in local parks, on:

• Tuesday June 12 from 2pm to 4pm at Cantley Park, Wokingham

• Wednesday July 4 from 10am to 12noon at Chalfont Park, Lower Earley

• Friday August 17 from 10am to 12noon at Woodford Park, Woodley

For the over 50’s sessions, there is a charge of £3.80 for SHINE members or £4.20 for nonmembers. To book a place, please also contact Jill Bissell on (0118) 908 8208 or email: jill.bissell@wokingham.gov.uk.

The SHINE (Some Health Improvements Need Exercise) programme was launched by the borough council’s sports development unit in March 2009, in partnership with Inspire Wokingham, and is a physical activity programme for the over 50's of the Wokingham Borough.

The sessions are a chance to socialise, meet new people and get fit and active. For more information and a list of events please visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk/sports/fitness/shine

Jill Bissell, cycle training co-ordinator, said: “Many people have not ridden a bike for several years and have lost their confidence. Through the family rides and over 50’s sessions we hope to get people to try cycling again and rediscover the fun and freedom that cycling offers whilst ensuring they stay safe on the roads.”