Hello!

Long days and warm temperatures mean summer has finally arrived. We'd urge you to make the most of it by getting around by bike as much as possible this month!

Why not take a leisurely ride along Frome Greenway or Whitchurch Way to discover a new part of the city. Or how about getting together with some friends riding to work in a 'peleton'? However you choose to ride you'll be taking part in a fun, free activity with the chance of adventure around every corner!

Here's the latest cycling news from across the region:

Cycling City project wins top sustainability award

Bristol and South Gloucestershire's Cycling City project picked up the Sustainable Infrastructure Achievement of the Year award at a ceremony held in London recently. Read on to find out why the judges praised the city so highly.

From city to coast – riders getting geared up for the Great Weston Ride

Now in its second year, the Great Weston Ride 2011 is a challenge event between Long Ashton and Weston-super-Mare, all in aid of charity. Organisers reckon it's one of the best in the business for people looking to ride their first 'half century' (or 50 miles). This year's event takes place on Sunday, 17th July and there's still time to sign up.

Refurbished bike sale returns to Bristol

Life Cycle UK's refurbished bicycle sale returns to Bristol city centre on Wednesday, 20th July. Pick up a second hand bike for as little as £40.

Look out for the stall at near the fountains opposite Bristol Hippodrome. Be quick though, the best bikes go early!

New cycling stats show big increases in people cycling to work

Bristol City Council's annual Quality Of Life report is showing huge increases in people cycling to work.

People of Ashley Down take a bow – a whopping 26% of you now regularly cycle to work!

10% discount on Protect-A-Cycle storage units

Too many bikes cluttering up your kitchen or hallway?

This month Trimetals, a Dorset-based company, is offering customers an exclusive discount on its Protect-A-Cycle storage units, saving you over £50.

Cycling film festival returns to the Watershed

Cyclescreen 2011 returns for its second year, taking over Bristol's Watershed cinema between Thursday 18th and Sunday 21st August. Festival goers can look forward to seven films, three talks, Rollapaluza and a cycle-powered cinema. Book your tickets today!

Ideas wanted for Bristol cycle jerseys

The deadline for Push Bikewear's 'design a cycle jersey for Bristol competition' is Sunday 31st July. Get those pens and pencils out because we want to see your creations! Prizes are available for the best designs.

On the blog

• The Tour de France takes place this July. We've prepared a quick guide to help you tell the difference between the yellow, green and polka-dot jerseys.
• June saw Ritchey Bikefest take over Ashton Court. Head to our blog for a few videos from the event.
• Details have been announced about the new off-road route at Ashton Court in anticipation of work finishing by the weekend of July 23rd. For now though, please keep off the closed trails - we wouldn't want you to come face-to-face with a JCB!
• The Cycling City team has produced a series of maps showing how the cycling infrastructure built over the last three years links up with the city's main cycling network. These routes are being incorporated into the 2011 Bristol Map for Cyclists, due out in the next few weeks.
• Work to create a completely off-road route around Bristol's historic harbourside moved a step closer this month as construction of the Brunel Lock link finished. Check it out for one of the best views in the city of Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Thanks for reading. Until next month...

Happy cycling!

Can't see the images? Visit www.betterbybike.info/july-2011-newsletter