PEDAL power rules this week as National Bike Week, now in its 95th year, gets into gear to get people back in the saddle this summer.

This year’s campaign, which runs until Sunday, June 17, looks set to add 500,000 people to the five million who already cycle three times a week.

There will be activities suitable for all ages and experience, from family friendly rides to training, cycle maintenance courses to bike breakfasts. (See below for more details)

Whether you are a Tour de Francer or a novice, there are cycle routes in Dorset and the New Forest to suit all abilities.

Here are eight ideas to try...

1 Lawrence Cycle Ride, Wareham. A 22 mile, mainly on-road circular route through the Frome Valley, taking in Moreton and looping to the north of Purbeck across Bere Heath.

2 Rempstone Cycle Ride, Corfe Castle. This is a circular 12 mile, mainly off-road route that runs between Norden and either Studland village or Shell Bay beach via the Rempstone Estate on the Isle of Purbeck.

3 East Lulworth Cycle Ride, Wareham. An exhilarating 18 mile circular on-road ride around the countryside of Lulworth Castle, with an extended route down to Lulworth Cove.

4 Witchampton Cycle Route, Wimborne, moderately difficult 13 mile cycle route through the picturesque village of Witchampton and surrounding, quiet, pretty lanes.

5 Moors Valley Country Park near Ringwood. Rangers organise many cycle rides throughout the year, from introductory courses for adults to more demanding off-road events for regular riders. They also run mountain bike events for children during the school holidays.

6 Northport Greenway and Sika Trail, Wareham. A 1.5 mile route from Wareham Quay to Wareham Forest, where it links with the Sika Trail - a seven mile circular route through heath and forest.

7 Badbury Rings Cycle Ride, near Wimborne. Pretty five mile off-road cycle ride starting at Badbury Rings, an Iron Age hillfort with extensive views over the surrounding countryside

8 Beaulieu and Buckler’s Hard. Make a stop at the Beaulieu National Motor Museum and then ride along the two-mile path following the Beaulieu River south towards the maritime village of Buckler’s Hard.

HERE are six events to celebrate National Bike Week...

1. Cycle Awareness Day, is a bike information day, on Saturday, June 16 from 10am to 12pm at Shore Road, Sandbanks, Poole. For more details, email beachofficeadmin@poole.gov.uk. Free entry.

2. Dig out your tweed, retro shirts and vintage dresses for the Wimborne Vintage Bike Ride on Saturday, June 23 as part of the VDub in the Pub festival. For more details, email cycle@vdubatthepub.com or call 07902 208936.

3. New bike maintenance courses are held regularly at Kings Park Cycle Centre in Bournemouth. Booking required. Price £10. Practical courses for people who want to know how to perform basic bike care and fix simple repairs. Any level is welcome. £10, to be paid on the night. Tea and coffee is included.

4. The Reef Rides, Wimborne on Sunday, June 17 from 8.30am to 6pm. There are two family rides, the half reef approximately 30 miles or the reef approximately 60 miles. Both rides are predominantly on quiet country lanes heading out towards Cranborne and Tisbury respectively. Free.

5. New Forest Cycle Challenge on Sunday, June 24 from 9.30am to 3.30pm. This is a cycle ride in aid of New Forest nightstop. For casual and non-cyclists to cycle 50 miles through the quiet roads of the New Forest. Free event. For details see newforestnightstop.org.uk.

6. New Forest Bike Project Help at Bransgore is open to show you how to fix bikes etc every day this week until Saturday, June 16 from 9am to 5pm. Free. For more details call 07818 403114or email louis@newforestbikeproject.org

DID YOU KNOW?

It is illegal to ride a bicycle on a road or other public places while unfit through alcohol. So if under the influence of drink and not in proper control of the bike, you are committing an offence.

The advice given is not to drink alcohol if you intend to cycle. The maximum penalty for cycling whilst under the influence of drink is a £1,000 fine.

PEDAL FOR PARKINSON’S

Love cycling? Fancy a challenge? Join one of Pedal for Parkinson’s races in the summer, have some fun and support the work of Parkinson’s UK.