PEDAL power has arrived in the borough and town hall bosses are urging residents to get on their bike.

The council has produced a new cycling map and magazine to mark National Bike Week, which starts tomorrow (Sat June 12).

The "Safer Cycling Routes" map shows routes best suited to both new and experienced cyclists. The "On Yer Bike" magazine, meanwhile, suggests ways of cycling to the shops, work or for leisure around Greater Manchester.

Rob Sawyer, the council's senior transportation officer, said: "With fuel prices rising and summer approaching there has never been a better time leave to leave the car at home and get peddling."

Among the events are:

Sunday (June 13), Pilkington's Cycles are leading a mountain bike ride for beginners at 11am.

Monday (June 14), at 8.20am, the council is staging a Commuter Challenge from Radcliffe town centre to Bury Town Hall to see which is the quickest or most pleasant way of commuting. At 6.15pm on the same day, Pilkington's are leading a ride for women.

Wednesday (June 16), at 6.15pm Pilkington's are leading a mountain bike ride and follow that up on Thursday (JUne 17) with a family bike ride at 6.15pm. Bury Clarion Club is also offering a family bike ride that evening along the Outwood Trail, starting at Radcliffe Asda car park at 7pm.

Friday (June 18) sees the official opening of the Roch Valley Greenway with children from St Thomas's Primary School riding at 9.30am from their school to Goshen playing fields.

For further information on the Pilkington's rides, residents should ring 0161 764 2723. All their rides start from the shop on Bolton Road, Bury. For information on the Clarion ride, residents can ring 0161 761 6856.

For a copy of the publications and details about Bike Week, contact Rob Sawyer on 0161 253 5825.