MOTORISTS who commute to Bolton town centre are being urged to swap four wheels for two as part of National Bike Week.

Bolton Council is using the week, which kicks off on Monday, to promote the benefits of using pedal power — reducing congestion and improving health.

The council’s cycling strategy, which was introduced three years ago, sets out a range of targets that include increasing cycling levels in the borough by 50 per cent, increasing the number of pupils cycling to school by 15 per cent and improving cycling links throughout the borough.

A council spokesman said: “We have a strategy in place to try and increase awareness of cycling, but Bike Week is the perfect opportunity for us to promote it further as a viable option for those living and working in the borough.”

The first event will take place on Tuesday with a Bike to Work commuter breakfast. Commuters who saddle up will get a free breakfast at Tiffany’s in Victoria Square from 7.30am to 9.30am.

A fun ride on Wednesday leaves Victoria Square at 6.30pm, going along an off-road trail and stopping off for refreshments at Bolton Arena in Middlebrook, before heading back to town. The Horwich Carnival Races will finish the week next Sunday, June 21.

Visit bolton.gov.uk/ cyclinginbolton for more information or call 01204 334321.