A newly-launched cycle scheme in Solihull is encouraging more residents to get on their bikes – and be in with the chance of winning prizes of up to £2,000.
Solihull Council has joined forces with cycling platform Love to Ride to promote the benefits of cycling to residents and businesses across the borough.
The scheme targets new, occasional and experienced riders and provides a platform to track rides, get stats and monitor progress, and share local cycling routes.
Residents who sign up to the Love to Ride app and take part in the Bike Month Challenge from 1-31 May will be entered into a prize draw to win £50 from Love to Ride for each person they encourage to sign up to the challenge.
Prizes of up to £2,000 are also on offer based on how often people ride, while businesses and workplace teams can also battle against each other for prizes.
Cllr Andy Mackiewicz, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Planning, said:
“We are very excited to partner with Love to Ride and hope to see as many residents and businesses as possible sign up for the Bike Month Challenge.
“This is a great way to encourage more people to get on their bikes, ditch the car for those shorter journeys and save fuel costs, and be in with the chance of winning some great prizes.
“Cycling can not only boost your personal health and wellbeing, but it can also protect the environment by cutting carbon emissions and improving air quality.
“We know transport accounts for the largest share of emissions in Solihull at 41 per cent, so there has never been a better time to reflect on our journey patterns and travel more sustainably.”
Thomas Stokell, chief executive of Love to Ride, said:
"We are delighted to be working with Solihull Council and look forward to seeing cyclists of all ages and abilities in the borough sign up for the upcoming Bike Month Challenge. Good luck to everyone taking part!”
The Solihull scheme is funded by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs.
For more information and to sign up to the challenge and download the Love to Ride app, visit www.lovetoride.net/solihull.