Local businesses are being encouraged to sign up to the Cardiff Cycle Challenge, a fun and free workplace competition to encourage employees to remember the joys and benefits of cycling.
The aim of the Cardiff Cycle Challenge, which takes place from Monday 12 September until Sunday 2 October, is to see which workplace can get the most people cycling.
Cardiff Council has joined forces with the Cyclists’ Touring Club (CTC), Challenge for Change and Environment Wales to launch the first Cycle Challenge in Wales. The programme has already seen over 60,000 people from 2,500 workplaces take to their bikes from across the UK, Australia and New Zealand and has proven to get more people cycling more often.
Organisations and companies of all sizes across Cardiff are being asked to take part and will compete against businesses and departments of the same size.
There are six size categories ranging from 3-6 employees to 500+ employees.
It’s easy to register and take part in the challenge, simply go to www.cardiffcyclechallenge.org.uk. Once registered, participants will need to cycle for at least 10 minutes to work for fitness or for fun on any day during the competition period and log their trip online.
Teams and individuals will compete for prizes including cinema tickets and a new bike worth £500.
During the Cycle Challenge a number of cycle events will take place, to encourage people to take part.
Executive Member for Traffic and Transportation, Cllr Lisa Ford, said: “As Wales’ first Sustainable Travel City we have invested heavily in the facilities and infrastructure available to cyclists. This includes improving the cycle network with the creation of the Pont y Werin Bridge and giving people access to cycles via OYBikes.
“The Cardiff Cycle Challenge helps us to utilise all our investments and to encourage people to cycle within the city.
“The Cycle Challenge has proved successful in other parts of the UK and I am delighted Cardiff will host the first Wales event. I hope the competition will encourage novice and lapsed cyclists to get on their bikes and take part.”
Louise Pearson, Operations Manager, Challenge for Change, said: “The Cardiff Cycle Challenge is a great opportunity to get more people cycling through a structured programme of behaviour change activity. Our aim is to get at least 2,000 people onto bikes from over 75 workplaces across the city and to help develop and embed a rich cycling culture. This is an important opportunity for employers to show their commitment to a cycle-friendly.”
The Cardiff Cycle Challenge is funded by the Welsh Government, in partnership with Environment Wales and Cynnal Cymru through a Supporting Sustainable Living Grant. The Grant aims to bring about long tern changes in behaviour and lifestyle that will help reduce Wales’ greenhouse gas emissions and make communities more resilient to the impacts of climate change.
