A series of free cycling events have been organised by Wandsworth Council and other organisations for Bike Week between June 13 and June 19.

Cycle Corners will be set up in Balham and Putney allowing residents to have their bikes safety checked and security marked by council officers.

Residents can also compete against each other in static cycle races and get advice as well as local bike maps and other gifts.

The Balham Cycle Corner take places 12pm - 4pm, Saturday 13 June, at the rear of Sainsbury's on Bedford Hill.

The Putney Cycle Corner takes place 12.30pm - 4.30pm, Sunday 14 June, outside St Mary's Church on Putney High Street.

Other Bike Week events include a night time ride around Richmond Park on Friday, June 19 organised by the Wandsworth Cycling Campaign.

Call Martin Ireland on 079 4635 4852 or visit www.wandsworthcyclists.org.uk for more information.

Free bicycle maintenance classes are on offer to over-16s who live, work or study in the borough.

Participants will learn how to fix common bicycle faults and how to avoid them in the first place. Classes last for two hours and take place during July in Battersea, Southfields and Tooting.

Bill Myers, director of technical Services at Wandsworth Council said: “Cycling is a cheaper, healthier and environmentally friendly alternative to driving a car. We are encouraging more residents to give cycling a try and can help teach the basics of road safety and cycle maintenance.”

For more information about Bike Week visit wandsworth.gov.uk/bikeweek or pick up a leaflet from the Town Hall or any of the borough's libraries.

To sign up for a course call the council on 020 8871 7983. Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

• For more environmental news, log on to greenguardian.co.uk