Chris Boardman and Ed Clancy today launched Team Green Britain Bike Week at the London Eye with the first of hundreds of ‘Bike Fixes’ which will take place between June 18-26.

The Britain’s Biggest Bike Fix initiative aims to liberate 10,000 unused bikes from sheds and garages by encouraging their owners to dig them out, get punctures fixed, brakes adjusted and gears tuned at events across the country.

Three-time Tour de France stage winner Boardman, Olympic individual pursuit champion in 1992 and world time trial champion in 1994, and Beijing Olympic team pursuit gold medallist Clancy were joined by former Team GB chief mechanic Spike Taylor and television presenter Dawn Porter, who took part in the annual All-Parliamentary Cycling Group ride with MPsto Westminster.

“When EDF Energy asked me to get involved with Team Green Britain Bike Week I was really keen,” said Clancy. “Let’s hope we can get plenty of bikes out of sheds and back on the roads. Bikes aren’t just for racing – for short journeys they are a really practical way to get around.”

Bicycle Association chairman Phillip Darnton added: “We know that 77 per cent of people in the UK own a bike, but only 14 per cent use them regularly and a major barrier to people getting back on two wheels is often something as simple to fix as a dodgy brake or puncture.

“So we want anyone with a bike, who wants to get it roadworthy, to help make Team Green Britain Bike Week become Britain’s Biggest Bike Fix.

“We are urging new and lapsed cyclists to check out www.bikeweek.org.uk to find out details of their nearest event to re-discover how cycling helps you get fit, have fun and feel free.”