Cycle September returns to help make cycling the new normal

Encouraging staff who are working from home to make short local cycle trips can help them build physical activity into their lives

Local residents and commuters are asked to consider taking up cycling this month as Cycle September returns.

Supported by Transport for Greater Manchester, Cycle September is a fun, free competition and everyone in Greater Manchester is invited to join in; it doesn’t matter if you ride every day, or if you haven’t been on a bike in years.

There are already over 200 companies and 2,000 people registered for Cycle September in Greater Manchester, including the Northern Care Alliance, Rochdale Borough Council, Rochdale boroughwide Housing and Rochdale Health Alliance.

Cycle September supports the government’s effort to double cycling trips by 2025 and to make the bicycle the default mode of transport for short journeys. Every bike trip frees up space on public transport and encouraging staff who are working from home to make short local cycle trips can help them build physical activity into their lives.

Pete Abel, Love to Ride Local Project Manager in Greater Manchester said: "Cycling can help restart the economy whilst maintaining social distancing. Every bike trip frees up space on public transport and the roads to help key workers get to essential jobs. 

“Encouraging people who are working from home to make short local cycle trips can help them build physical activity into their lives."

A British Cycling report highlighted that increased urban cycling could save the NHS £17 billion over 20 years. The report also found that moderate levels of cycling were associated with a 28% lower mortality risk in older adults and 20% lower stress levels amongst cycle commuters.

There will be fantastic prizes up for grabs for cycling and encouraging others to cycle throughout September.

You can take part in Cycle September by following these steps:

• Register online
• Join your company or invite your workplace to register (you can join or register a group or ride solo too)
• Log rides manually in September or connect your favourite cycling app (Strava, MapMyRide or Endomondo). Your rides will be recorded automatically and will sync your last 30 days of riding.

Find out more and register now at: lovetoride.net/gm