Over the last 16 months, many people have taken up cycling for various reasons including commuting whilst avoiding crowded public transport and for health and fitness. During the first lockdown the roads were almost deserted, and cycling was one of the few forms of exercise that was allowed.

Love to Ride is a global organisation supporting and encouraging cycling and over the last year Suffolk County Council has partnered with Love to Ride to encourage individuals and businesses in Suffolk to increase the amount of cycling that they do whilst having the chance of winning some great cycling prizes.

Off the back of successful campaigns such as Ride it Out in March and Bike Month in June, the county council is encouraging individuals and businesses to sign up for Cycle September – a month-long event that both individuals and companies can join for free.

Talking about Love to Ride, Cllr Andrew Reid, Suffolk County Council cabinet member for public health, communities and public protection, said: “We are committed to supporting more people to get physically active and Love to Ride Suffolk Cycle September is a great way to inspire people to take up cycling whether for leisure, sport or active travel. Whether you cycle a little or a lot, Cycle September is a fun challenge for all – sign up and challenge your friends and family.

“Love To Ride can also support businesses at no cost to engage employees in leading healthier and more active lifestyles. We know that increased physical activity can help people to be healthier, happier, more energised and productive.”

Worried that you and your bike aren’t up to the challenge? Wearing Lycra shorts isn’t your thing? You don’t have to be Bradley Wiggins and thousands of others have felt the same as you, but after those first few, tentative pedal strokes they’ve rediscovered the pleasure of cycling, be it alone, or with family and friends. If you haven’t been on a bike in a while or are worried that your fitness level isn’t where you’d like it to be, then you have the most to gain – supercharge your physical health, boost your mental health whilst reducing stress and anxiety and make a positive impact on the environment. As you start riding over the coming weeks, Cycle September will help to give you the impetus to keep going and support Suffolk’s ambition to become the most active county. You can get together with colleagues to compete in workplace challenges which help to motivate and inspire you.

Over the coming weeks there’ll be more about Cycle September. Register now. For details on how your business can benefit from Love to Ride Suffolk, email gayle@lovetoride.org