Rowsell, part of the victorious British women's team pursuit team alongside Laura Trott and Dani King, visited the Olympic Park to urge more people to saddle up.

"Cycling is a fantastic way of keeping fit, regardless of age or ability," she said.

"There are a number of excellent routes that have been put in place for the Games and afterwards."

Spectators can plan their journeys via a special planner, find out the locations of the 7,100 secure cycle parking slots at the Games' eight venues, check arrival times, download detailed cycle-route maps around the Olympic Park, and book onto guide-led rides and walks.

Cyclists can access all the information they need by clicking here. 

Visitors can also take advantage of free maintenance and repairs if their bikes are playing up.

"There's every reason to get out there and start pedalling," smiled Rowsell.

Olympic gold medallist Joanna Rowsell is encouraging Paralympic spectators to bike it!

The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) and its partners have made a significant investment to ensure London 2012 is a sustainable Games transportwise, and is encouraging fans to emulate their track and road heroes by enjoying their own "victory ride" to and from events.

London 2012 is the first Games to develop a large-scale walking and cycling strategy, which includes the implementation of the London 2012 Active Travel programme, developed in partnership with Transport for London.

Some £10 million ($15.8 million/€12.6 million) has been spent on enhancing 75 kilometres of East London's paths through the 2012 Games Walking and Cycling Routes scheme, with more than double that amount having been invested on routes, mapping and services to allow spectators to cycle and walk to the Games.

Hugh Sumner, ODA director of transport, said: "What we saw during the Olympics was a healthy take-up of the bike parking facilities, especially the venues outside of London – we need to build on that momentum and get people riding during the Paralympics."

David Stubbs, head of sustainability for London 2012, added: "This is not just about providing people with an alternative to public transport for Games-time – it's about inspiring the country to get active and show people what a great alternative way to travel it is."

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