Discover the benefits of commuting by bike during Ride to Work Week

People across Devon are being encouraged to take part in Ride to Work Week next week (Monday 13 March to Sunday 19 March).

Love to Ride Devon is running the week-long promotion as part of a package of measures being delivered by Devon County Council to inspire more people to travel actively, supporting access to employment, education and training.

Ride to Work Week is a friendly competition between workplaces where the aim is to get as many staff members as possible cycling to work. Prizes are on offer nationally and locally for both riding and encouraging others to ride. Local prizes are sponsored by businesses in Devon who are passionate about getting more people cycling.

Research shows that people who walk or cycle to work benefit from improved mental wellbeing in comparison with those who travel by car. Commuting just a couple of miles each way can help you to achieve NHS England’s recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for cycling, said: “As the hours of daylight get longer and weather improves, it’s the perfect time of year to try riding to work. Cycling provides so many benefits – it burns fat and builds muscle without putting too much strain on your joints, and it’s much cheaper than driving or paying for gym membership. We’re keen to encourage and support people to travel more actively and hopefully Ride to Work Week will help some people discover the benefits of cycling to work while inspiring their colleagues to do the same.”

People wanting to boost their confidence before cycling to work can sign up for a FREE 2 hour cycle confidence sessions online.

The event, which is being run using funding from the Department for Transport, builds on the success of the Devon Cycle Challenges over the past two years. To find out more about Ride to Work Week and to register, visit www.lovetoride.net/devon

For more information on other sustainable travel options in Devon, visit the Travel Devon website. If you would like to access grant funding and support to promote cycling at your workplace in Barnstaple, Exeter or Newton Abbot register on the Travel Devon Toolkit