Challenge offers prizes galore as call goes out to get on your bikes

» RESIDENTS can get involved with Gloucestershire’s summer of cycling by getting on their bikes in the lead-up to Love to Ride’s national cycling challenge, ‘Cycle September’

The county council is sponsoring stage six of the Tour of Britain on September 9, having already hosted stage three of the Women’s Tour earlier this year.

Residents inspired by seeing the world-class cyclists racing through their communities are now being urged to set their sights on the September challenge.

Love to Ride aims to get people on their bikes, and Cycle September will see individuals and businesses earn points and win prizes by pedalling and encouraging others.

Cyclists can compete on individual leaderboards and are encouraged to join a ‘Workplace Profile’ to compete against other workplaces with their colleagues. There are more than 500 prizes up for grabs, including a £4,000 holiday and a £1,000 bike, and all can be won by getting on a bike – even if for just 10 minutes.

The county council is aiming to increase cycle use locally by 50% by 2031 and is supporting cycling already in the following ways:

» securing 258 miles of existing cycle infrastructure

» providing over £40 million of funding for a planned 26-mile cycle spine between Bishops Cleeve and Stroud

» training 5,000 children via the Bikeability programme every year

» conducting a feasibility study into a ‘Mini Holland’ scheme in Cheltenham

» delivering a six-mile cycle route between Gloucester and Cheltenham.

Supporting cycling is part of the county council’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions across the county to net-zero by 2045, and to reduce emissions by 80% by 2030.

Cllr David Gray, cabinet member responsible for the environment, said: “Bringing the 2022 Women’s Tour and Tour of Britain to Gloucestershire is not only about showcasing our county, but also about inspiring a generation of cyclists.

“I would encourage residents and businesses within our county to get on their bikes and take part in Love to Ride’s Cycle September.

“Stage six of the Tour of Britain will take place during Cycle September, so why not ride your bike to watch the race, which covers an exciting 170.9km route from Tewkesbury to Gloucester.”

Florence Jones, project manager at Love to Ride, said: “We are really inspired to see more people across Gloucestershire giving cycling a go.

“Cycle September is a fun challenge designed to encourage and support you to get on your bike and encourage others to ride. We look forward to seeing you there.”

For more information on Cycle September visit www.lovetoride.net/ gloucestershire. For more on cycling in Gloucestershire, including training, tips and routes, visit www.thinktravel.info/bike/.