RESIDENTS are being encouraged to take advantage of a bike recycling event taking place next weekend (Sunday, June 9).

Ideal for bikes belonging to children who have outgrown them, the Reading Cycle Festival will include the recycling scheme, supported by Reading Borough Council and various charities.

The event is designed to help get more people into cycling.

Greg Woodford, organiser of the festival, said: "Parents are often lumbered with bicycles which their children have outgrown and which gather dust.

"We can give the bike a safety check and put a value to it.

"You do the rest - sell it to another parent and try and buy something bigger.

"This can all be done at the festival, but it would help if you emailed us to let us know your bike is on the way."

He suggested that people who want to use the scheme or donate a bike should email info@avanticycling.co.uk.

The festival will be held on Christchurch Meadows on Sundaym June 9 between 12pm and 4pm.

It is part of the government-sponsored national Big Bike Revival campaign, which aims to get more people onto bicycles.

Two prominent bicycle shops, AW Cycles and Pankhurst Cycles, will have a fleet of bicycles to try out, including e-bikes.

The Reading Bicycle Kitchen will be on hand to give free bike checks.

Wokingham Borough Council's sustainable transport campaign, My Journey. will advise on good cycle routes and let you residents out their pedal-powered smoothie machine.

The Union of UK Unicyclists will also be on hand to teach visitors how to ride a unicycle and introduce them to their diverse world.

Unicycles are no longer just for performing artists - they are now used for stunts, riding off-road as well as for riding to work.