STAFF at NHS North Yorkshire are promoting pedal power and urging commuters and families to be more active as part of Bike Week which runs until next Sunday (21 June).

Bike Week, the UK's biggest mass participation cycling event, encourages everyone to boost their confidence on the road and make the shift from four wheels to two by coming along to one of the thousands of events and signing up for a cycle training lesson.

Leading from the front is 52-year-old Dr Peter Brambleby, Director of Public Health at NHS North Yorkshire and York. He said: "As a senior member of staff I have a busy diary but I try to arrange it so that at least once a week I can ride my bike into the office in Harrogate. By doing this I can incorporate exercise into my day at a time when I'd normally be sat in traffic.

"Whether it's a day to day activity or an occasional adventure, cycling is a great way to help keep you and the rest of the family healthy. Getting on our bikes more often can help us make the small changes that can bring short and long term benefits to your health, the environment and your purse."

Five reasons to get on your bike:

1. Over half of UK car journeys are less than five miles - swapping them for an easy 30 minute bike ride can save you a small fortune in fuel costs
2. Cyclists live on average at least two years longer than non-cyclists and their fitness levels are equivalent to being ten years younger
3. Cycling is the ultimate family activity; it's free, healthy, fun and encourages children to be independent
4. Cycling gets you out and about and you're more likely to find that beautiful park you never knew existed than when you're cooped up in a car
5. During rush-hour a bicycle is twice as fast as a car - good if you hate traffic jams! Even better, you won't spend a penny on parking

To find out more about Bike Week 2009 or to find out what is taking place in your local area, visit www.bikeweek.org.uk