A RECORD number of organisations from across the county have signed up for this year’s Devon Cycle Challenge, which returns this month.

More than 140 workplaces have registered to take part in the free challenge which will run during September.

That is 50 more organisations than last year, when more than 1,500 people supported the campaign.

The friendly competition is being organised by Devon County Council in partnership with Love to Ride.

The Devon Cycle Challenge is open to anyone who lives or works in the area, and organisations compete against each other to encourage as many of their staff as possible to ride a bike anywhere, anytime in September.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for cycling, said: “The interest in cycling in Devon is continuing to grow year-on-year.

“Last year’s Devon Cycle Challenge was a great success, with more than 290 people inspired to cycle for the first time in more than a year, and I’m pleased to see even more organisations signing up this time around.

“The challenge aims to get people on their bikes and enjoy the benefits of riding - improving health, saving money and helping to tackle congestion.

“It gives organisations and their staff the incentive to give cycling a try and hopefully it will encourage more people to cycle more often, either on their daily commute or in their spare time."

The Love to Ride website features local and national league tables and individuals can track their miles and days logged.

Those who take part can also log rides in the Challenge by joining their profile to their favourite smartphone apps, including Ride Report, Moves, Strava, Endomondo, and Map My Fitness.

The Devon Cycle Challenge is part of a package of measures being delivered by Devon County Council using Sustainable Travel Transition Year funding from the Department of Transport, to encourage more people to walk, cycle, travel by public transport or car share.

For more information, go to: http://www.lovetoride.net/devon .

Alan Quick