Dale Benton

A cycling initiative to get more Lincolnshire people on their bikes this summer has announced the first set of ride dates to take place in June.

The Skyride Local guided rides will take place around Lincoln, ranging from Saxibly, Skellingthrope, Washingborough, Birchwood and Yarborough.

British Cycling Breeze, the biggest programme in the UK to encourage more women into recreational cycling, is also coming to Lincoln. The goal is to make thousands more women gain confidence and feel more comfortable about going cycling.

A ride leader training course for women will be taking place on June 28.

Sarah Clarke from Lincolnshire Sports Partnership, said: “We are very excited to be working with British Cycling this summer, and the range of rides on offer is fantastic.

“Do try and get out with family and friends, and enjoy some of the wonderful sights that Lincolnshire has to offer.” she added.

The dates, locations and distances for the Skyride Local rides throughout June are:

Sunday, June 23

• 9.30am – Bassingham (9 miles)
• 10am – Skellingthorpe (15 miles)
• 2pm – Birchwood (8 miles)

Saturday, June 29

• 10am Washingborough (10 miles)

Sunday, June 30

• 2pm – Saxilby (16 miles)

Markets across Lincolnshire, including Lincoln Central Market, have signed up to a charter coordinated by Lincolnshire County Council in a bid to ensure safe and fair trading.

The Real Deal charter brings together local authority trading standards services, 25 market operators and traders, industry groups and copyright and trademark owners as they attempt to clamp down on selling of counterfeit and pirated goods.

Angela Kane, senior trading standards officer at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “In a bid to make Lincolnshire’s markets fake free, we are encouraging markets to sign up to the Real Deal Market Charter: making a commitment to safe and fair trading at their markets.

“Visitors and shoppers can rest assured that if they buy an item from one of the 25 markets across Lincolnshire, accredited with the Real Deal Charter, the item will not be counterfeit, illegal or dangerous.”

James Brokenshire, Parliamentary Under Secretary for Crime and Security, said: “The sale of counterfeit goods, so often viewed as harmless and victimless, affects our local economies by reducing profits for legitimate traders.

“I would encourage more markets to sign the Real Deal Charter and protect themselves and their local communities.”

Alongside Lincoln Central Market, other local Real Deal accredited markets will include Gainsborough Market, Grantham Market, Boston Market, Spalding Market and Stamford Market. See the full list.