People across Greater Manchester are being invited to take part in a month-long cycling challenge throughout September which aims to get more people in the saddle.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) wants individuals and workplaces to sign up for the Life on 2 Wheels Cycle Challenge, taking place 3 September – 2 October, with offers and prizes up for grabs. The aim of the challenge is to get more people travelling by bike, and is open to everyone who lives or works in Greater Manchester.
The challenge rewards people for the number of cycling journeys they make, not how far or fast people can cycle. All cycle journeys logged will count towards a personal total, with people being able to earn ‘BikeMiles’ which can also be exchanged for a number of discounted offers and vouchers.
People can also add their cycle journeys towards their workplace total, with prizes available for the top three workplaces that log on average the most cycle journeys during the challenge including a folding bike, taster sessions at the Manchester Velodrome, and bike maintenance equipment.
Councillor Chris Paul, the TfGM Committee’s Cycling Champion, said: “Cycling is not only fun, it’s also a healthy, affordable and sustainable long-term travel choice for almost everyone. One day a week, a short trip to catch a train or tram, or everyday on your commute to work, it’s good exercise and reduces congestion too.
“The Life on 2 Wheels Challenge is a great opportunity for anyone, regardless of ability or experience level, to take to the saddle and enjoy some team building and friendly competition with other workplaces across the region.”
The Life on 2 Wheels challenge is part of the Cycle City programme, funded by the Department for Transport, which will see around £45million being invested in a wide range of initiatives and projects to increase cycling in Greater Manchester.
This includes running free adult cycling training sessions; building new cycle hubs offering secure bike parking spaces and developing a major network of cycleways to make travelling around the region by bike easier, safer and more convenient.
To find out more about the Life on 2 Wheels campaign or to sign up to the challenge, go to www.lo2wchallenge.co.uk and follow the campaign on Twitter with the hashtag #LifeOn2Wheels.
