With Amy Martin of Sustrans

Are you looking for ways to help keep the family active in 2015?

There are some fantastic events running in Swindon this year, so why not hop on your bike and join in? Here are just a few things that are lined up.

Get your school involved in The Big Pedal 2015, the UK’s largest inter-school cycling and scooting challenge.

Last year our very own Ferndale Primary School won the nationwide competition.

On each day of the challenge, schools compete to see who can record the greatest number of pupils, staff and parents cycling or scooting.

Ferndale managed to get 75 per cent of the pupils pedalling or scooting, as compared to two per cent previously.

This year the Big Pedal 2015 runs from March 2 to 20. Get your school to sign up today at www.bigpedal.org.uk After the success of British Cycling’s Skyrides in 2014, this year is going to be bigger and better than ever.

Guided Skyrides offer the best routes, the friendliest support, and some cracking places to visit along the way.

With three different levels, there’s something for everyone – whether you’re building your confidence or looking to stretch your legs on a cycling challenge. Skyride in Swindon launches this year on 7 June. Keep an eye on the website, www.goskyride.com for the rides in your area running throughout summer 2015.

June 7 is going to be a big day for cycling in Swindon. As well as Skyride starting there are lots of exciting events planned to get the people of Swindon on their bikes.

There’s health-themed fun activities planned at the Old Town Festival including British Cycling’s Go-ride Coaching.

Also the Macmillan Castles bike ride takes place. Riders can choose between three distance options: 10 miles, 20 miles or 30 miles. All routes follow the Ridgeway along ancient byways, tracks and bridle ways in a scenic loop of the Downs. Keep an eye out on www.cycleswindon.org.uk Rather keep your feet on the ground? Swindon Half Marathon runs again this year on 11 October 2015 in aid of the British Heart Foundation. There’s a one-mile fun run for kids and a five-mile multi-terrain run, which is great for teams too. Get involved at bhf.org.uk/get-involved/events/runs/swindon-half-marathon