BikeFest 2016 has now had its official launch in Birmingham, with HSBC UK unveiled as official sponsor for this year’s event.

BikeFest is part of Birmingham Cycle Revolution, a city council initiative that seeks to inspire the people of the city to take to their bicycles.

The aim of BCR is to make cycling an everyday way to travel in Birmingham over the next 20 years.

The council wants want five per cent of all trips in the city to be made by bike by 2023 and to double this again to 10 per cent by 2033.

This will help to make our city healthier, greener, safer and less congested, it says.

Watch our video of Bikefest 2015:

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So when does BikeFest 2016 take place?

BikeFest will take place on September 18, 2016, in Victoria Square, Birmingham.

The event is now in its second year, following 2015’s inaugural BikeFest at Eastside City Park.

The aim is not just to encourage Brummies to get on their bikes but also to entertain by hosting some world-class cycling performances.

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Is there an entry fee?

No, it’s FREE for everyone.

A biker performing 'big air' at Birmingham Bikefest 2015 at Eastside City Park.
A cyclist performing 'big air' at Birmingham Bikefest 2015

So what’s happening at the event?

This year, to emphasise the importance of an active family life, there is a 2km closed road Family Ride through the heart of the city, starting and finishing at Victoria Square.

Cycling stunt showmen Action Sports Tour will be displaying their skills alongside flatland BMX riders giving masterclasses as well as coaching and advice for every level and age group.

Throughout the day there will be taster sessions in Flatland BMX and also MTB Trials.

The sessions will be first come first serve and on rotation. The sessions will be run by Flatland BMX legend Matti Hemmings, and 3 x World Champion Trials rider Ben Savage.

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For those who prefer more of a fast and furious style, Street Velodrome, the world’s only pop-up velodrome, will give fans the chance to set their own personal best on the track. Pro riders will also be on hand to show how the experts do it.

For the younger riders, there’s the Strider Adventure Zone.

Visitors can get a bite to eat from an array of stalls hosted by Scoff Streetfood.

What they said at the launch

Danielle Carter celebrates scoring a goal during UEFA Women's Euro 2017 Qualifier match between Estonia and England on September 21, 2015 in Estonia. Photo by Joosep Martinson/Getty Images
Danielle Carter celebrates scoring a goal during UEFA Women's Euro 2017 Qualifier match between Estonia and England on September 21, 2015 in Estonia. Photo by Joosep Martinson/Getty Images

England International footballer Danielle Carter, who launched BikeFest, said: "As a professional athlete I have always used cycling as an important part of my ongoing fitness regime and to stay healthy.

"It’s great fun and there are so many different forms that it gives you endless possibilities. The Birmingham BikeFest is the perfect chance for everyone to get involved and try cycling.

"Birmingham City Council’s investment in cycling and cycle paths through the Birmingham Cycle Revolution initiative continues to make the city a safer and easier place to cycle. Hopefully events like BikeFest will encourage more people to get on their bikes."

Councillor Stewart Stacey, cabinet member for transport and roads, said: "It’s great to welcome BikeFest back to Birmingham.

"It is a wonderful family-friendly event where people can see just why cycling is so beneficial.

"BikeFest is just one part of Birmingham Cycle Revolution which aims to change the culture, attitude and perception of cycling whilst improving health and traffic congestion across the region.

"We would encourage anybody who has an interest in cycling or, anyone who is just looking for a fun day out in the city, to head on over and join us.”

Alex Base, Global Head of Operational Sustainability at HSBC said: "As we create the head office of HSBC UK in Birmingham and move more than 1,000 roles here, it’s great to work closely with the city council and local community through our support of BikeFest.

"Cycling is one of the ways that we can improve our own fitness as well as reduce the impact we all have on the environment. HSBC has a long track record of reducing its impact on the environment as well as supporting the communities that we operate in."