The national event has grown over the years as cycling has increased in popularity in part due to the influence of the Olympics and Tour de France’s success of British riders but also the improvements in bike technology and design.

Grab your helmet, jump on your bike and cycle to work

Here at SignLink managing director Page Tuck cycles five miles to the office every day, as does graphic designer Jordan Martins who clocks up a round trip of eight miles a day. I live 25 miles away in Somerset but have managed one round trip this summer and plan to cycle in on August 15th come rain or shine. Although last time I cycled to work and back I stopped off for a couple of glasses of wine on the way home and had to have a five-minute sleep in a field to ensure I kept within the rules of his cycling proficiency certificate gained in 1968.

Apart from the health benefits there is also the small matter of economics. Once you’ve bought a bike and any accessories, cycling is free. If you haven’t got a bike the Cycle Scheme will save you money on a new bike with the option to rent it and then buy it later or to buy it straight away with a discount. As well as the bike the scheme also allows you to include accessories such as lights, paniers, a helmet and clothing. Check it out at www.cyclescheme.co.uk.

Although last time I stopped off for a couple of glasses of wine on the way home and had to have a five-minute sleep in a field”

Employers can sign up for free allowing their workers to save money on a new bike and accessories. Plus, employers save up to 13.8 percent in National Insurance contributions and it only takes a few minutes to complete the application.

Thousands cycle to work in places like Copenhagen where it is considered normal

The Government backed organisation says: “All you need to take part is a bike – new or old – and the desire to ride. You can go solo or be the change your workplace needs and organise an event for you and your colleagues. Whatever you do, however far your ride – have fun!”

Selfie: I have a lie down on the way home. Wine and cycling don't mix

As for myself, that means not having to sleep in a field on the way home. Since I worked in London in the 1980s and Bristol since then, I’ve noticed the numbers cycling to work has grown and grown. If you look at cycle forums online you’ll see many cycling over ten miles each way to work and others who cycle some days and take the train on alternate days.

Will you be cycling to work on August 15th? Or do you cycle every day already? Email your cycling stories to Harry@linkpublishing.co.uk or call me on 0117 9805 040. Or react to the story on Twitter and have your say.

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