One month to go until Ride to Work Week
26 February 2019
People across West Yorkshire invited to switch to two wheels and take part in fun, friendly cycling challenge
People across the region are being invited to switch to two wheels during next month’s Ride to Work Week (Monday 25–Sunday 31 March) – a cycling challenge run through West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s CityConnect programme aimed at encouraging more people to cycle and walk.
The Combined Authority has joined forces with Ride to Work Week organisers Love to Ride for the UK-wide event aimed at getting more people to discover the benefits of cycling to work by taking part in a fun and friendly cycle challenge.
Registering on the Love to Ride website allows participants to log miles, set goals and earn badges for cycling to work for a week, riding 100 miles or encouraging a friend or colleague to take part, with friendly competitions taking place between individuals and workplaces.
Councillor Kim Groves, Chair of West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee, said: “Encouraging more of us to travel by bike or on foot brings many benefits, both at an individual level by boosting people’s physical and mental health in addition to often saving time and money, as well as helping to reduce pollution and congestion in our towns and cities.
“We want as many people as possible to get involved in Ride to Work Week – whether you cycle every day or whether you’ve never cycled to work.
“Last year, more than 390 people across West Yorkshire cycled 15,000 miles during Ride to Work Week, and we’re hoping to make this year even bigger and better.”
Love to Ride can be easily connected to many popular cycling apps such as Strava and Ride Report, which will then automatically record the miles cycled on Love to Ride and enter riders into prize draws. Register for CityConnect's online cycle challenge.
Cycle September winners Calderdale Council gear up for Ride to Work Week.
CityConnect’s top tips for your first cycle to work
Remember you don’t have to cycle the whole way. If you live too far away to cycle all the way to work you could always look into options for cycling part of the way and then catching a train or bus.
Plan your route. Cycling to work need not involve tackling busy roads. From the Bradford Leeds Cycle Superhighway to the Leeds Liverpool Canal and the Castleford to Wakefield Greenway, there are some great traffic free options. Take a look at our handy online map.
Recruit a bike buddy. If someone you know already cycles ask them which routes they use or even better ask them to ride with you as a bike buddy.
Pack a waterproof. The sun may have been out more than usual recently but it’s always worth having a wet weather plan just in case. Don’t worry about being drenched in sweat – the great thing about being on a bike is you don’t always have to keep pedalling, just take it at your own pace.
Make sure your bike’s in good health. Check your brakes are ok, make sure there’s air in your tyres, that none of the fixtures and fittings are loose, and the chain is clean and oiled. Sustrans 11-step M-Check is a good place to start or if in doubt take your bike for a once over at your local cycle shop.
Last but not least, enjoy it! Cycling to work can save you time and money, and it has been proven to boost health and happiness. What’s not to love?