Get involved in the global bike challenge this September

LOCAL residents, communities, schools and business can get involved in Cycle September, a month-long competition from Love to Ride, which aims to get more people riding bikes.

Tameside Council is supporting Love to Ride, at a time when environmental issues, wellness, and money saving are an important factor for many.  There has never been a better time to ride a bike and Tameside has some great cycling opportunities, including the Tameside Valley Loop made up of three routes for all skill levels: family (3.5 miles), intermediate (10 miles) and advanced (18 miles).  For other cycling opportunities visit www.tameside.gov.uk/Cycling

Last year more than 51,000 riders from almost 7,000 businesses took part including over 5,500 people who were new to riding! They hopped on their bikes, logged their rides, encouraged their friends and family to join, and won amazing prizes for their efforts.

This year is set to be bigger and better.  For Cycle September it doesn't matter if you ride every day or if you haven't been on a bike in years. Love to Ride are behaviour change experts who have refined their approach by helping over 625,000 people worldwide get into biking, including over 146,000 new riders who report having never ridden a bike or only ridden a few times in the last year.

Love to Ride has lots of resources to help people ride out with confidence, from Top Tips articles and Quick Courses.

There are so many benefits to be enjoyed from riding a bike, and Cycle September is all about embracing each and every one of them, such as:

• Supercharged physical health – even a 10-minute bike ride will boost your immune system, improve cardiovascular health, and help you live longer!
• Improved mental health – riding a bike is a mindful activity that promotes the release of endorphins and can reduce the causes of depression
• Reduced stress and anxiety - biking can calm the mind, improve self-confidence, and elevate your mood
• Protecting the planet – reduce your carbon footprint by leaving the car at home
• Saving money – cut down on transport costs and car maintenance

Taking part in Cycle September is easy. Ride for 10 minutes or more, log your ride, and start earning points to win prizes and climb the leaderboards.

Register for Cycle September to elevate your energy, axe your anxiety, protect the planet and heighten your happy! lovetoride.net/gm

Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Population Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Eleanor Wills, said: “If you want to win the getaway of your dreams, a brand new bike, or lots of new bike gear then register now for Cycle September at lovetoride.net to take part in the global bike event of the year. All you have to do is ride your bike to earn points and the more points you gain, the more prize entries you win, it’s that simple!

“I hope lots of local people join in, including my colleagues at Tameside Council – it’s a wonderful way to boost your physical and mental health.Cycling is a great outdoor activity that can be enjoyed with friends and family, not just work colleagues.Whether you cycle to work, for fun or for fitness we’ve got a growing range of great routes in Tameside - there’s never been a better time to cycle.Visit our website for details at www.tameside.gov.uk/Cycling”