Research reveals that while 77 per cent of people own a bike only 14 per cent use them regularly. Many of these unused bikes lie in people’s sheds and garages, but with just a quick service or a small amount of repair, these bikes could be roadworthy and being used again.

In Bike Week 2012, taking place across the UK from June 16 to 24, new and would-be cyclists are being encouraged to head along to a Dr Bike event. Part of the Samsung Bike Week, Britain’s Biggest Bike Fix is your chance to have you bike looked at and given a few tweaks. If further work is needed you will be given a list of repairs, which you can take along to your local nike shop or mechanic for a fix up

Dr Bike is just one of a host of events, bike rides and workshops taking place in Bike Week, the UK’s biggest mass participation cycling event.

Cycling Scotland is one of the organisations helping to coordinate Bike Week. The organisation’s Andrew Pankhurst said: “Bike Week is a campaign focused on getting more people out cycling more often. We are keen to see more people cycling for leisure and for other reasons, such as commuting to the office and going to the shops.”

What's on offer in Bike Week?

Samsung Bike Week offers something for everyone, from families, schools and companies to novice riders and more experienced cyclists. To take part in Bike Week, cyclists can simply turn up at a range of events taking place nationwide ­- or organise an event themselves. Find out more on the Bike Week website

Another useful Bike Week tool is the Cycling Calculator, which tells you calories burned while cycling and money saved instead of driving a car.

A Summer of Cycling

Aiming to widen the appeal of cycling still further, a Summer of Cycling campaign has been launched and runs until October. Almost two dozen cycling organisations across the UK, such as Bike Week, Cycling Scotland, British cycling CTC and Sustrans, as well as the All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group and The Bicycle Association, have come together to get even more people on their bikes.

The aim is to create a campaign to promote cycling during the Olympic year –and to double the number of people cycling this summer.

The Summer of Cycling calls for everyone with an interest in cycling to share the fun and to introduce just one new person to cycling. If you log on to the website www.summerofcycling.net you can take a pledge to “get a friend to ride a bike this summer”.

Your +1 cyclist could be a friend, neighbour, colleague or family members. And there are a range of prizes on offer to cyclists who achieve their pledge and/or upload a photo to inspire others to cycle. 

Cycle a mile for charity

And there is another reason to take part in Samsung Bike Week 2012 – to raise money for charity. The Samsung Hope Relay initiative will see Samsung donate £1 to charity for every mile people cycle.  Simply download the free Samsung Hope Relay app and get cycling. Find an event near you or register your own event at the official Samsung Bike Week website

Lycra is not the only cycling fabric!

Cyclists do not have to wear Lycra – and nor is it necessary to get kitted out in tight-fitting jerseys, bright yellow jackets and fingerless gloves. All these items of clothing are ideally suited to cycling but they are not compulsory.

If you plan to cycle only a few miles to work each day or head out for a leisurely ride with the family you can wear clothes that you already own. A comfortable pair of shorts or jogging bottoms, a t-shirt and any waterproof jacket will be fine. 

For comfort, choose clothing that stretches or is loose- fit so that you don’t feel restricted while pedalling and reaching for the handlebars. Flared trousers need to be kept in place with a clip or band so that they do not flap about or become tangled in the chain. Check out Ron Hill's trackster jogging bottoms, for example.

But if you plan to cycle more than about 15 miles, a few items of cycle-specific clothing will make the outing a better experience. That is, you'll become less sweaty and sore! 

Padded cycling shorts and leggings are a bonus, for obvious reasons, buy if you feel self-conscious in tight lycra then choose baggier style mountain biking shorts or skorts (a leggings and skirt combo). An alternative is to buy a gel-filled bike seat.

Clothing such as baselayers, t-shirts and long-sleeved tops made of modern fabrics that are breathable allow the perspiration to wick away. Cycling jackets are also designed for riders and have longer backs and arms, well-placed pockets and come in a range of colours that make the cyclist more easily seen.

Other recommended cycle kit includes cycling gloves, to prevent rubs and blisters, and a helmet.