ART bikes, made by Gavin Turk, one of the renowned Young British Artists, will be pedalled through the leafy lanes of Tendring on Saturday.

The cycle ride, from Jaywick’s Martello Tower to the Electric Palace, in Harwich, is part of the Fleet: Art in the Haven Ports summer-long programme.

The series of events and talks has been created to highlight the beauty of the Essex and Suffolk coastlines.

Gavin, who often uses his own image in his work, is calling the event Les Bikes du Bois Rond.

He said: “The bikes have become artworks, inspired by the work of Andre Cadere, who was an important artist of the Seventies you’ve never heard of.”

Saturday’s 26-mile cycle ride links significant historical sites.

David Wright, director of Commissions East, which developed the Fleet programme, said: “Fleet has been designed to encourage people to visit some of the more unusual coastal attractions.

“We have commissioned works from well-known contemporary artists, who will bring a new understanding to these historic places.”

Other events include artists in residence Sarah Dobai and Fabien Rigobert making films with local people at the Martello Tower throughout July.

There are walks and talks, including a discussion led by environmentalist and writer Ken Worpole, about the contribution artists and writers make to the coastline, at the Redoubt Fort, Harwich, on Saturday.

Keen cyclists can accompany Gavin on his tour. They will leave the Martello Tower at 10.30am, arriving in Harwich at around 3.15pm.

To book, call Commissions East on 01353 669094.