Cov’s Big Bike Ride is set to take place on Sunday 10 September around the city during Heritage Open Days.
The free event starts at 11am with a total of 10km of cycling routes open until 3pm.
Follow the 2km traffic-free route from Broadgate to Charterhouse for a free family festival as part of Heritage Open Days, and then join a 3km guided ride onto Binley Cycleway towards The Millpool in Binley.
Cov’s Big Bike Ride’s official start and finish is in Broadgate, Coventry city centre, with a ride out to Charterhouse to enjoy Heritage Open Day activities before heading to The Millpool cycle hub to complete the route, then heading back to the city centre.
Each stop will showcase free activities including stunt bike shows, Dr Bike clinics, physical activity and sports challenges, cycle parking, face painting and more.
Cyclists of all ages and abilities can enjoy the route from the city centre out to the new Binley segregated cycleway.
Those without bikes can still take part as bike hire will be available.
Councillor Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change, said: “This event will be a great way for people to see how good the new segregated cycleway is and enjoy some fun on the way.
“Data tells us that more and more people are using the cycleways month on month as people use it for local and longer journeys and our plan is to begin to develop a real network so more and more people have an alternative to the car for some journeys.
“We really are catering for all here as the event is open to all ages and cycling abilities and it is suitable to adapted bikes and wheelchairs too. Plus, it’s free to enjoy. There are multiple activities taking place at each cycle hub and venue which again, is great for everyone. Whether you need to fix your bike or fancy a cycling challenge – we have exciting things for all to get involved in.”
Work continues on Binley cycleway along with plans to build segregated cycleways in other areas of the city. A link along Allard Way has been approved and work is due to start in early Autumn.
Councillor Patricia Hetherton, Cabinet Member for City Services added: “We are always looking for ways to make Coventry a cleaner, greener city and cycling is something that will make a big difference. Active travel, like cycling, has huge benefits for health and wellbeing – it’s good for the body and the mind and of course for the environment too.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing this event take place and seeing so many local people use the new cycleways as well as enjoying the activities that are on offer around the city for free as part of Cov’s Big Bike Ride.
“I really hope residents that might have heard about the cycleways but have not used them, take the opportunity to come along and try it out for themselves.”
Cov’s Big Bike Ride is also on Suicide Prevention Day and is a great way for residents to get active and support the mind and body.
Graham Tait, Assistant Director at Historic Coventry Trust, said: “This is a perfect opportunity to explore Charterhouse and its gardens while having exercise and fun.
“In the build-up, we are holding a drop-in workshop between noon and 3pm on Sunday, August 27 to help people decorate their bikes with quick and colourful makeovers in the countdown to Cov’s Big Bike Ride.
“At Charterhouse on September 10, we will be holding a free family friendly festival with free tours, access to Charterhouse’s gardens, storytelling and face painting in the big tent. There will be lots of cycling activities, live music, pop-up food and drink from Purnell’s and even the opportunity to have a ride on the Bewonderment machine, a hand carved cycle powered carousel.”
No sign-up is required for Cov’s Big Bike Ride. Participants can turn up and enjoy the event for free.
For more information on travel, parking, bike hire and route entertainment, head to the Cov’s Bike Big Ride page.