Sidmouth residents urged to 'get on their bike' as part of cycle initiative

A month-long cycle challenge will be held throughout June to support Bike Month and help get Sidmouth moving again.

It's part of a nationwide strategy to encourage everyone to travel actively, help reopen the economy and keep coronavirus at bay.

Devon County Council is working with Love to Ride Devon to support Bike Month throughout June to help get people in Sidmouth on their bikes.

Cycling is recommended for daily exercise and is the best way to travel to maintain social distancing and avoid congestion.

Everyone over 16 is invited to take part regardless if you have just started cycling or you cycle regularly.

By signing up, logging rides and encouraging others to take part, you can support Bikes for Key Workers initiatives, have some fun and have the chance to win one of two £500 vouchers to spend at a local bike shop.

You can do this by registering and taking part as an individual, social group, or as a workplace. You can set both individuals and collective goals to motivate yourself and your friends or colleagues.

You can also track mileage, earn badges and track your progress against others, helping you stay connected to others by cycling.

Once you have logged a ride in June and encouraged someone else to sign up, you will to be automatically entered into the prize draws.

Cyclists are also encouraged to share a photo, video or story on social media using the #ChooseCycling hashtag or use the story upload feature on the Love to Ride Devon website.

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 as we emerge from lockdown.

"There has been a significant increase in cycling nationwide since the coronavirus pandemic started. Bike Month is a great way for us to encourage long-term behaviour change that can 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."

To take part, log in or register on the Love to Ride Devon website or by using a cycling app such as Strava.

Cycle challenges in Devon are part of a package of measures being delivered by Devon County Council using Access Funding from the Department for Transport.