Get involved and celebrate cycling across Gloucestershire

COUNTY residents can get involved with the summer of cycling by getting on their bikes for Love to Ride’s national cycling challenge ‘Cycle September’.

The county council is sponsoring stage six of the 2022 Tour of Britain on Friday, 9 September, having already hosted stage three of the Women’s Tour earlier in the year.

Residents are already inspired to get on their bikes this summer by seeing world-class cyclists racing through their communities and are also encouraged to take part in Love to Ride’s Cycle September challenge.

‘Love to Ride’ encourages people to get on their bikes, with Cycle September challenging individuals and businesses to earn points and win prizes by pedalling and encouraging others.

Cyclists can compete on the individual leaderboards and are also encouraged to join their Workplace Profile to compete against other workplaces with their colleagues. Cycle September has now been launched and individuals and businesses can sign up at any point during the month.

There are more than 500 prizes up for grabs this September, 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 in the county by 50 per cent by 2031, and is supporting cycling already in the following ways: » Securing 258 miles of existing cycle infrastructure

» More than £40million of funding for a planned 26-mile cycle spine between Bishops Cleeve to Stroud

» Training 5,000 kids in Bikeability 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 the carbon emissions across the county to net-zero by 2045, and to reduce emissions by 80 per cent by 2030 – in order to combat the climate emergency.

Councillor David Gray, Cabinet member responsible for the environment at Gloucestershire County Council, 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.

“Florence Jones, project manager at Love to Ride, said: “We are really inspired to see more people across Gloucestershire giving cycling a go, whether that’s for a quick trip to the shops, a lap around the park, or a day out with friends and family.

For more and to get involved visit lovetoride.net/gloucestershire