Local cyclists clock up 10,000 miles in a week

Cyclists from across Cheshire East took part in a week-long effort to encourage more people to ride to work.

Commuters swapped four wheels for two during Ride to Work week which is organised by Love to Ride.

Local employers, including Bentley Motors, AstraZeneca, South Cheshire College and Cheshire East Council signed up, with nearly 200 riders cycling 10,588 miles during the friendly competition.

Staff from 24 local employers logged their bike journeys via the Love to Ride website, giving them a chance to win fantastic prizes – including top of the range bike gear.

Regular cycling commuters took part, as well as new riders who were cycling to work for the first time.

The friendly competition is being backed by Travel Cheshire, a Cheshire East Council project set up to promote ‘active travel’ across the borough, including cycling and walking.

Councillor David Brown, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for highways and infrastructure, said: “Ride to Work week is one of a number of campaigns run by Love to Ride during the year to encourage more people to discover the joys of cycling.

“The week was a great opportunity to show how cycling to work can make you healthier, happier and wealthier. Getting a dose of exercise and fresh air before going to work can really set you up for the working day, and it’s a great way to save money and reduce congestion and pollution.”

“It was wonderful to see so many local employers taking part in Ride to Work week. We hope as many riders as possible can keep up the effort and continue cycling to work whenever possible.”

Prizes included brand new bikes, bike luggage from recycling company UPSO, and a cycling holiday to Cuba from Exodus Travel. Cheshire East cyclists also had a chance to win a new bike courtesy of Crewe’s Community Recycle Cycles.

Cyclists will have more opportunities to win prizes by logging bike rides during other Love to Ride promotions throughout the year. Bike Week takes place in June, with other promotions including Cycle September and the Winter Wheelers challenge in December.

For more information visit: http://www.lovetoride.net/cheshireeast