Residents and businesses across Solihull are being invited to get into gear for a winter biking challenge on the back of a successful event over the autumn.
Almost 250 people and 26 workplaces signed up for Cycle September, which was run by cycling platform Love to Ride and supported by Solihull Council to promote the benefits of cycling.
Riders embraced active travel and did their bit for the environment as they clocked up an impressive 23,128 miles across 1,993 trips, saving 1,493 kg of CO2, which is the equivalent carbon capture of planting 64 trees.
Workplaces in particular embraced cycling as a sustainable and healthy way to travel, with more than a third of all trips being commutes to work. Local Solihull winners in the workplace leaderboards included Jaguar Land Rover, Natwest, Couch Perry Wilkes, Vanderlande, Platform Three, Farmfoods and leading automotive company ZF Automotive UK Limited.
The next challenge, ‘Winter Wheelers’, takes place between 1 December and 31 January and encourages people to keep cycling over the winter and be in with the chance of winning weekly prize-draws and a grand prize of up to £2,500.
Winter biking offers numerous benefits, from boosting mental and physical well-being to supporting a healthier planet and reducing travel costs.
People can sign up to the challenge and download the Love to Ride app by visiting www.lovetoride.net/solihull.
Geoff Jacks, Engineering Manager at ZF Automotive, who took part in Cycle September, said:
“We’re really enjoying the challenges set by Love to Ride and are looking forward to the next one!
“At ZF, we are proud to support our employees who choose to cycle to work and have made significant investments in facilities to make cycling a convenient and attractive option, including secure bike storage, showers, and changing rooms.
“Cycling to work is more than just a matter of convenience for us – it reflects our commitment to environmental sustainability and the well-being of our employees. The mental health benefits of cycling are substantial, helping to clear the mind, reduce stress, and boost overall mood. Starting the day with a bike ride not only keeps our employees fit and energised but also enhances their productivity and well-being at work.”
Councillor Ken Hawkins, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Infrastructure, said:
“It’s brilliant to hear from businesses like ZF Automotive on how they’re embracing active travel and enjoying the challenges set by Love to Ride.
“On the back of a successful Cycle September, we are looking forward to seeing more people hop on their bikes for Winter Wheelers as it’s a great way to boost your physical and mental health and stay energised throughout the colder months.”
Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Planning, said:
“Using your bike – whether it’s for a trip down to the shops or for the commute to work – has multiple benefits for a person’s health and wellbeing and can save you money by cutting down on vehicle fuel costs.
“It also helps tackle the climate emergency by reducing your carbon emissions. Transport is the biggest single source of emissions in Solihull so it’s important we all think about our journey patterns and how we can travel more sustainably.”
Love to Ride targets new, occasional and experienced riders and provides a platform for people to track rides, get stats and monitor progress, as well as providing a series of fun challenges to get involved in.
Love to Ride in Solihull is funded by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs.