Bike Week (13-21 June), the UK’s biggest mass participation cycling event, has launched with a new mission for 2009 – to challenge families to get more out of life by swapping their four wheels for two and discovering new places in their local community.

Inspired by the new theme; ‘Get more out of life: live local, get cycling’, Bike Week’s revamped website now features a user-friendly event search facility. The new system, supported by Google mapping technology, means participants can find specific events in their area in seconds. People hoping to join a Bike Week event but unsure of what’s on offer can search under a range of different categories from commuter challenges and time trials to family rides and cycle skills training – meaning it’s even easier for people to find an event appropriate for them.

Phillip Darnton, Chairman of Cycling England, said: “Many families are looking for easy ways to get more out of life, particularly during these difficult financial times. Cycling brings families together and is a fantastic, free way to discover new places and rides and have a lot of fun. We hope that by joining a Bike Week event, people will be inspired to hop on their bikes and discover the benefits and pleasures of cycling. Last year was a great success and I’m certain this year will be even better.”

Hosting an event during Bike Week has never been more attractive. The new website hosts an Event Organiser Guide, ‘useful contacts’ section and hints & tips pages to help organisers create and promote a range of events, from small community rides to large festivals. Brand new materials including posters, flyers, balloons and stickers are free to order – and the liability insurance up to £10 million offers added security at no cost to the organiser.

There are also plenty of competitions and prizes available to help event organisers promote their events. Center Parcs is offering a free family break and Thule, the world’s largest manufacturer of roof boxes and accessories, has donated 24 bike carriers to be given away in a prize draw every week in the lead up to Bike Week.

As an added incentive for event organisers, those who register their events will be in line to win one of four Thule bike carriers in a lucky prize draw. If you’d like to organise your own event, visit www.bikeweek.org.uk, register and download an Event Organiser Guide. The Guide is packed with ideas and inspiration for organising and promoting events and will help make your event a real success!