PEDAL POWER IN LINSLADE

People across Leighton Buzzard and the surrounding areas are being urged to saddle up by local MP Alex Mayer as part of the “Big Bike Revival”.

Ms Mayer joined a “fix and cycle” session in the The Hare’s pub garden where locals learned basic maintenance for their bikes including how to repair punctures and make brake adjustments to keep their cycles roadworthy.

Experts were on hand to provide top tips to cyclists on how to keep themselves and other road users safe. The participants then put theory into practice on a guided ride around Southcott Village.

Leighton Buzzard was chosen because of its growing network of cycle routes, Instructor Becky Knapp explained to the MP, including around the Grand Union Canal.

15% of the town’s adults cycled at least twice during the previous four weeks, according to Cycling UK, with Ms Mayer keen that these numbers continue to rise.

Government-funded Active Travel England is investing £8m over the next 3 years in the Big Bike Revival.

Alex Mayer MP said:

“It is really positive to see everyone being given the confidence and practical skills to saddle up. Cycling is good for the planet and great for healthier lifestyles. It helps cut congestion and gives families another way to get from to A to B around town.”

Becky Knapp, Cycle Instructor at Cycle4Life, said:

“Cycling means different things to different people. For some, it’s an affordable and environmentally friendly way to commute. For others, it’s about improving fitness, or reducing environmental impact, exploring the local countryside, boosting mental wellbeing, or simply spending time riding with friends. Whatever the motive, cycling offers countless benefits.

“Our aim is to support and encourage cycling locally in all its forms, helping local residents of all generations to discover and enjoy everything it has to offer within our local community.”

Upcoming summer sessions include another adult lesson outside The Hare on Sunday 23 August. There’s also a slow supported ride planned from Bridge Street on the Bank Holiday Monday (31 August).

Cycle4Life delivered 2,100-plus sessions across Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire in 2025, with plans to beat that figure by the end of 2026.