Employers urged to get workforces to 'saddle up'

A call is going out to Warwickshire Businesses to get workers on their bikes as part of the national Love to Ride Challenge.

Participants have to cycle for just ten minutes to qualify for the challenge and be in line for some great prizes. 

Warwickshire County Council has signed up and is urging the county's businesses to join the challenge. 

It is not about who can cycle the most miles, but who can encourage the most people to give cycling a go. The challenge is to ride a bike, anywhere, anytime, for at least ten minutes, preferably every day, between June 8 and 28.

Organisations and departments will compete against those of a similar size for a fair chance of winning. There are six size categories: 500+ staff, 200-499 staff, 50-199 staff, 20-49 staff, 7-19 staff and 3-6 staff. Each individual's  participation will count towards their department's or organisation's score.

The health benefits to individuals of cycling are well-documented but it is also a culture well worth encouraging in employees by businesses owners.

Benefits to be gained by businesses participating in the National Cycling Challenge include:

• Free health, wellbeing and sustainability initiative for all employees
• A fun activity for you and your workmates
• A friendly competition between staff teams and other local organisations
• Help reduce congestion, air pollution and car parking issues
• Prize incentives for your staff. Prizes including five new bikes, a holiday for two to New Zealand and a trip to Paris.

 To become involved with the National Cycle Challenge, go to https://www.lovetoride.net/uk/pages/info?locale=en-GB.