(l to r) Jeff Cloves, Dominique Shead, Tony Partridge, Nigel Stanton and Sheila Booth from Stroud Valleys Cycle Campaign, who are launching a new map on Saturday for National Bike Week. SSS863H07 National Bike Week will roll into action all over the country from Saturday, and here in the Five Valleys people are being urged to ditch their cars in favour of two-wheeled travel. In the UK, 20 million bikes are owned but only six million people are regular cycle users - so as we head for summer, now is the perfect time to go to the shed, dust the cobwebs from your handlebars and hop on the saddle. While few could be persuaded to part with their car permanently, there are many benefits of regular bike riding - from a reduced risk of heart disease to making a contribution to protecting the planet. And with the imminent and exciting launch of a new cycle map for the district, it is now easier than ever to get from A to B by bike. James Davis reports.

A NEW cycle map is about to revolutionise bike riding in the Five Valleys.

It is hoped the bright guide, which colour-codes all roads in the district according their difficulty, will help people create a customised, suitable route and encourage them to trade petrol for pedal power.

Tony Partridge, who along with four other members of the Stroud Valleys Cycle Campaign which produced the map, said: "It's another tool in trying to make it easier for people to cycle and hopefully encourage them to use their bike."

The group, which formed 15 years ago, has been working tirelessly on the project for 18 months - riding along and assessing the cycleability' of every road.

Each has been graded and given a colour - with green being the most gentle and quietest through to busier red routes, which are recommended for more experienced cyclists. Traffic-free paths and pavements are shown in dark green.

The map, which is based on an Ordnance Survey template, flags up a range of features including public toilets, cafes, bike shops, places of interest and viewpoints.

Information panels are included which aim to encourage riders to cycle to the library and farmers' market for example, or how to link up with public transport.

The £8,500 funding to produce 5,000 maps came from Stroud District Council, Gloucestershire Rural Transport Partnership, Gloucestershire County Council, Gloucestershire NHS Primary Care Trust and a number of town and parish councils.

Along with Mr Partridge, the working group is made up of former Stroud town councillor, Sheila Booth, Rodborough couple Jeff Cloves and Dominique Shead and Avening resident Nigel Stanton.

"This is the fruits of 10 years experience," said Mr Partridge who added that the map will be revised after user feedback.

"I think it will make it easier for novice cyclists to get around."

The group, which has previously helped provide information boards and trail maps on cycle paths, will work with and offer advice to district council planners and the county council's highways team on future cycle routes.

*The Stroud District Cycling Map will be available later this month for £2.50 from Stroud tourist information centre, cycle shops, or by post from Tony Partridge, The Gables, Shute Street, King's Stanley, Stonehouse Glos, GL10 3JT.