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

It's all completely free and residents can even compete against each other in free static cycle races. Information and advice will be on offer as well as local cycle maps and other gifts.

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

There will also be a Cycle Corner in King George's Park, Wandsworth from 11am to 3pm, Sunday 7 June as part of the Wandle Valley Festival.

Other Bike Week events include a night time cycle ride around Richmond Park on Friday 19 June 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 at:

· Wilditch Community Centre, Battersea - 2pm, Saturday 11 July

· Wilditch Community Centre, Battersea - 10.30am, Tuesday 14 July

· Derinton Road Community Centre, Tooting - 2pm, Saturday 18 July

· Open Door Community Centre, Southfields - 6.30pm, Thursday 30 July

To sign up call (020) 8871 7983. Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

The council's road safety team is also offering free cycle training lessons to teach local children and adults how to ride safely and confidently. For more information visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/cycling

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.”