Families urged to get in gear for Bike Week

The local authority said: "We may not physically be able to get out together on one of our traditional MEA Family Bike Rides during Bike Week 2020, but MEA Council has lined up a ‘wheel-y’ fun series of video challenges that all the family can take part in at home over the next week.

"With the government and Public Health Agency advice still urging us to #StayHome and #StaySafe to beat the spread of coronavirus in Northern Ireland, our wonderful Sports Development Team have saddled up and recorded a variety of activities for all ages and abilities.

"While social distancing guidelines still apply for exercise outside your home, cycling is a great way to enjoy local green spaces. It can also benefit mental and physical health and wellbeing, and is kinder to the environment by reducing air pollution and traffic congestion.

"Traditionally, our Bike Week Family Cycling Events in Mid and East Antrim have proven extremely popular, but this year we’re using social media to show we can still share in the fun despite being apart from each other."

The cycling challenges will be posted each day on the council’s Facebook and Instagram pages from Monday, June 8 to Friday, June 12.

"We want you to share your own videos and pictures using the tag #BikeWeekMEA," the council said.

"Council is also working with Cycling Ulster to share a range of routes around the borough, suitable for all abilities, as Bike Week rolls on."

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Cllr Peter Johnston, added: “There has never been a better time for us to get on our bikes and enjoy all the benefits that cycling brings to our health, wellbeing and environment!

“It is so inspiring to see how Council’s Sports Development Team have used new and creative ways to encourage people of all ages in our borough to become more active despite having restrictions on how we live our lives.”