Specialized sponsors Sustrans’ event series

Up to 100 family-friendly ‘Fresh Air Miles’ bike rides and events, planned by Sustrans volunteers and supported by Specialized, will take place across the country between April and the end of September.

Each event will be designed so that everyone, regardless of age, ability or cycling experience, will be able to take part.

Children taking part will have the chance to win bikes by Specialized. 

Melissa Henry, Sustrans’ communications director, said: "For a free and fun family activity, there is little to rival a bike ride. Sustrans and Specialized want each ride to inspire a sense of freedom, of achievement and of neighbourliness among everyone who takes part. 

"These are vital elements in the development of young people. Over the last thirty years children’s freedom to travel independently, to play away from their front doors and explore their neighbourhoods, has diminished significantly. These rides could be a simple step towards reversing that by enabling people to collect Fresh Air Miles rather than sit in traffic on the way to somewhere."

Specialized is getting involved as part of its First Gear initiative to get more children riding bikes.

Anne Immelman, Specialized UK’s marketing manager, said: "Supporting Sustrans’ Fresh Air Miles rides is the perfect opportunity for Specialized to share our passion for riding bikes with more people, and especially children."

The Fresh Air Miles events will be free of charge.