AN EVENT will be held in Shipley this week to encourage people to show their bikes some love.

The Bradford Big Bike Revival is being held on Wednesday from 10am to 3pm at The Quays, Victoria Street, for people to take their bikes along where experts will help fix them, trade them in, or donate them to others.

As well as helping people repair their old bikes, the cycling experts will be on hand to provide advice about cycle safety, cycle training and where people can join a local cycle ride. Families who have outgrown their bikes can trade them in for a better model, or can donate them to other local families.

“It’s all about helping people get back out on their bikes,” said organiser Ian Richardson from CTC, the national cycling charity.

"So many people stop cycling just because their bike has a puncture or they need a different type of bike. We’re here to help people get around these issues, and keep families cycling.”

It is estimated that there are millions of bikes lying unused in sheds and garages around the country, many with only small faults. It is hoped that by reclaiming these bikes and helping them be useful again, people around the country will be able to enjoy cycling once more.

Bradford's Big Bike Revival will involve a miniature festival of cycling with workshops, events and activities. There will be free bike health checks and an opportunity to learn how to do a maintenance check and carry out minor repairs and adjustments yourself. Free lights and mudguards will be on offer for people to winterproof their bikes, as well as reflective stickers. In addition there will be pedal-powered smoothies and spin art, with a chance to find out about local cycle routes and activities.

A new Bradford organisation, The Bikery, based in Wibsey, is involved in organising the event. Anthony Thomson said it was about encouraging cycling at the grass roots level.

The group, which was set up in partnership with social landlord Incommunities and the Margaret Carey Foundation, which helps prisoners help others. It essentially recycles bikes with the intention of encouraging more people to cycle. There will be bike maintenance workshops and they need people to donate bikes and volunteer their services, said Mr Thomson. More information on The Bikery is available through its Facebook page.