South Derbyshire residents are being encouraged by Get Active in the Forest to get on their bikes this week to celebrate National Bike Week.

Says Cllr John Grant of the Get Active in The Forest steering group "Cycling is a great way to exercise and stay healthy while having fun. It reduces car usage and so minimises our carbon footprint. Not only that, you can also enjoy the great outdoors."

The Get Active in The Forest scheme, based at Rosliston Forestry Centre, provides an outdoor activity programme for South Derbyshire residents.

The scheme has an over 50s cycling group that meets every Friday from 10 am until 11 am for an hour's cycle around the many paths at Rosliston Forestry Centre. It costs just £1.50 and if you haven't got a bike you could hire one at the Forestry Centre for £3.00. You can have a cuppa and a conversation after the ride.

For Bike Week, at the same cost as usual, the group are going along the Tissington Trail in the Peak District. All are welcome to attend. The group will be meeting at Rosliston Forestry Centre on Friday 20 June at 9 am.

Cllr Grant continues, "We want to make it easier for people to cycle in the South Derbyshire. We have plans for a further cycle groupin the north-east of our District with an over 50s cycling session being set up based on existing cycle tracks near Staunton Harold reservoir. The first session will be on Tuesday 1 July, from 10 am until 11 am. Cyclists should meet in the car park at The Ferrers Centre. Bike hire will be limited, so please book if needed.

For more information contact Lewis Adams, telephone 01283 595772 or email lewis.adams@south-derbys.gov.uk

The Get Active in The Forest scheme has been judged to be one of the ten best sports activities in the country to have received funding from the National Lottery. Get Active in The Forest has made it to the semi-finals of the National Lottery Awards, the only scheme from Derbyshire. If you would like to vote for Get Active in The Forest to appear in a sparkling special awards show on BBC1 please vote for free by going to www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards and click on the Best Sports Project category to cast your vote or you can vote by phone 0845 386 3453. Phone calls from a BT landline are charged at the BT lo-call landline rate.