Sidmouth residents and businesses are being encouraged to sign up for the fifth Cycle September in Devon and take part in the annual cycle challenge.

So far more than 1450 new riders have been encouraged to take up cycling by signing up to the scheme, which is backed by Sidmouth county councillor Stuart Hughes.

In total, more than 6.7 million miles have been clocked up by 7,254 riders since Cycle September first took place.

You can take part in Cycle September by following three easy ways:

1. Enjoy a ride. You can ride anywhere, anytime – to the shops, to work, or even a quick 10 minute ride around your local park is enough to take part.

1. Log it manually on the website or connect your favourite bicycling app.

1. Earn points, climb the leader boards, and win prizes!

You can sign up yourself and your workplace (or join your workplace team!) at lovetoride.net/devon.

As an individual you can earn points by logging your rides and encouraging others to ride. You will enter the draws for great prizes and compete with others on the individual leader boards.

You can also link your favourite activity app to your Love to Ride account, which uploads rides automatically. Being part of the Love to Ride Devon online community allows people to interact with colleagues and friends by giving them a 'high five' or 'kudos' for their efforts, shared photo's or stories.

If you join your workplace team, your points will count towards your workplace score and your company will compete on the workplace leader boards. You don't have to be a bike commuter; all types of rides count towards your workplace score.

For those keen to take up cycling but are lacking in confidence or skills, Devon County Council are offering free cycle confidence sessions. These sessions are tailored to fit the needs of those taking part – from covering basic cycle skills to support in riding the safest route to work.

Workplaces can email [email protected] if you would like to provide training for your staff.

In addition you can watch an Urban Cycling Skills video and find out how some simple Cycling Superpowers can help you tame the traffic around you. Helping you to feel safer, more confident and happier about your cycle rides.

The Cycle challenges in Devon are part of a package of measures being delivered by Devon County Council using Department for Transport grant funding, encouraging more people to travel by bike.

Sidmouth councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for cycling, said: "Cycling can play an important part in helping us to get the economy moving again. There has been a significant increase in cycling nationwide since the coronavirus pandemic started. "I hope Cycle September will encourage a bit of healthy competition between workplaces and encourage people to take up cycling and help make people in Devon happier and healthier while helping us reduce congestion and pollution across our beautiful county. We encourage everyone to register, record a ride and invite their friends, family and colleagues to join in too.

"And if you are an inexperienced cyclist the cycling sessions on offer are a great opportunity for those who want to take to two wheels but need to build their confidence."

Sign up for Cycle September by 23:59 on August 31 to go into the draw for a Cannondale Lefty 3 worth £3,400!