On your bikes, Exmouth! Get ready for National Bike Week...

ON YOUR bikes, Exmouth! Not only is it National Bike week from 18-26 June 2011, but it's Pedal Power month in Devon, too! National Bike Week is a national celebration of cycling, promoted by Team Green Britain, while Pedal Power is a Team Devon initiative, with biking events taking place in the county throughout the month.

So why cycling? It's a quick, cheap and environmentally friendly way to travel – and it's good for your health, as well! It's no surprise, then, that whether it's for fitness, leisure or commuting, cycling is more popular than ever. And Exmouth, which has seen a 22% increase in cycling in some parts of the town since becoming one of Devon's Cycle Hub towns, is leading the way.

Cycling has recently been in the spotlight here, with the news that the Fifth stage of the 2011 Tour of Britain race will finish in Exmouth on 15 September. Local interest in the race is high: last year enthusiastic crowds gathered at Darts Farm and Woodbury to see some of the world's best cyclists in action as the 2010 tour passed through. In addition, the two stages shared between Devon and Somerset brought an extra £5 million into the region over just two days.

Another boost to cycling locally has been the construction of part of the Exe Estuary Trail, which when complete will run along both sides of the estuary from Exmouth to Dawlish Warren. The section between Exmouth and Exton is now open and is proving hugely popular. It's made commuting by bike to Exeter easier, and provides spectacular views for leisure cyclists. It's also the perfect route for getting a close-up look at the Estuary's rich variety of birdlife.

Getting kitted out

So, with summer here and so much interest in cycling, what better time than to get started? All you need is a properly equipped bike, a helmet and appropriate clothing – there's no need for special gear unless you plan to take up sport cycling seriously. Exmouth has a range of cycle shops that can help you get off to a good start:

First off is Exmouth Cycles on Victoria Road, which stocks a full range of adults' and children's cycles and accessories including tag-a-longs and child seats for those too young for their own bikes. They also carry a wide range of helmets and accessories. TrubblnStrife has always been impressed by them, finding them to be "helpful, friendly and knowledgeable and they are good at servicing and restoring older machines".

Knobblies on Exeter Road is the favourite of the off-road biking fraternity, but they also stock a range of road cycles, clothing and accessories. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff are happy to answer enquiries and fit your bike accessories for you, and their servicing and repair service comes highly recommended. TheGreenMan has been "delighted with the shop, their knowledgeable advice, their attention to detail and their tremendous service".  

Finally, Halfords at Liverton Business Park also stocks a range of cycles for all ages, plus accessories and bike racks for cars. "It's worth a look if you need bicycle bits and bobs", says Grapenut.

Try hiring

If you're still not sure, a good way to find out if cycling is for you is to hire a bike and try it out! It's also a great way for visitors to take advantage of our cycle routes without the bother of bringing their bikes on holiday. Exmouth Cycle Hire has a full range of adults' and children's cycles for hire. You can also rent from Knobblies. thenewt recommends their "wide selection of bikes for hire including tandems and bikes with trailers and child seats – all at very competitive rates".

Clubbing in style

Once you're on your bike, you might wish to consider joining a local cycle club. There are several in Exmouth and around, including CS Dynamo, Cyclists Touring Club and Xcycle.

Cycling really is a splendid way to shape up, save money and have fun, so give it a try!