HEALTH bosses in Southampton are asking residents to get on their bikes in the coming week in a bid to boost health and combat soaring levels of obesity.

People are being urged to ditch their cars from tomorrow until Sunday, June 19, and walks or cycle to work or school.

The health drive is being spearheaded by Southampton City Council which has joined forces with Southampton City Primary Care Trust and Sport England.

There are a range of practical sessions and advice on active travel to promote walking and cycling as a means of maintaining a healthy heart, increasing overall fitness and mobility and preventing and reducing obesity.

Replacing a car journey to work or taking the children to school, with active travel, could be one lifestyle change that would make a significant difference to personal health, according to health chiefs and sports organisations.

Sean Holt, regional director of Sport England South East, said: "We welcome Southampton's Active Travel Week as a proactive way of highlighting how people can build physical activity into their everyday lives.

"Active travel has the potential to play a leading role in increasing levels of physical activity into their lives.

"It has the potential to play a leading role in ensuring preventative measures are taken to improve health."

Highlight of the week's events is an adventure cycling run which is being launched at Southampton Kite Festival being staged at Lordshill.

It will take place from midday until late afternoon and there will also be a number of static exhibitions from Sport England, SCPCT and Southampton City Council.

The guided cycle rides are suitable for all ages and abilities.

A bike doctor will be on hand to give a free cycle check-up.

During the week, there will be temporary signs around the city showing the differences in the amount of calories burnt from cycling compared to driving.

On Wednesday the council will hold "Back to Biking" classes for adults who have lost confidence in cycling.

TIMETABLE OF EVENTS: Cycle fun day: Tomorrow, Northam Community Centre, 11am-2pm.

Exploring cycle rides: Sunday, Weston Shore, midday; Westwood, Netley (with treasure hunt), 2pm; Monday, Southampton Sports Centre, 6.30pm; Tuesday, Green Park Millbrook, 6.30pm; Wednesday, Southampton University 12.30pm and 6.30pm; Thursday, Southampton Common, 6.30pm; Friday, Southampton University, 6.30pm; Sunday, June 19, Southampton Common, 11am.

Health Walk: Monday, Southampton Central Library, 12.30pm; Tuesday, Southampton Central Library, 12.30pm; Wednesday, Southampton Common, 6.30pm; Thursday, Southampton Central Library, 12.30; Saturday, June 18, Southampton Kite Festival, midday.

Bike to Work Day: Wednesday, June 15, morning, City Centre.

Back to Biking for Adults: Wednesday, Southampton Common, 6.30pm.

Active Travel and Health Exhibitions: Wednesday, Southampton University, evening; Thursday, WestQuay, all day; Friday, WestQuay, all day.

Adventure cycling: Saturday, June 18, Southampton Kite Festival, midday.