Residents are being encouraged to log cycling journeys and be rewarded for choosing to travel sustainably in the district with Love to Ride, an online platform promoting the benefits of riding a bike, which launched its dedicated North Somerset site this month.

Weston Mercury: People are being encouraged to travel sustainably in North Somerset.People are being encouraged to travel sustainably in North Somerset. (Image: Archant)

North Somerset Council says more people than ever have been motivated to cycle since lockdown in March, and Love to Ride encourages the form of travel as a way to get active, social distance and relieve pressure on public transport, and the campaign ties in with the authority's commitment to carbon reduction.

North Somerset’s first bike challenge, Light the Night, is now underway, with prizes to be won when people log bike journeys and upload their stories and images to encourage others to take part.

Weston Mercury: People are being encouraged to travel sustainably in North Somerset.People are being encouraged to travel sustainably in North Somerset. (Image: Axbridge-Cheddar Cycle Walkway)

Registration for December’s Winter Wheelers campaign is also open, with a £750 bike voucher prize available to one early-bird registrant.

People can also win prizes including an electric bike, Proviz hi-vis clothing, lights from Beryl and all-weather gloves from Loffiin in daily draws.

The council's executive member whose portfolio includes transport, James Tonkin, said: “Love to Ride is a fantastic way to help North Somerset’ residents improve their physical and mental health during these challenging times.

Weston Mercury: Cllr James Tonkin picking up his bicycle from Borrow a Bike earlier this year.Cllr James Tonkin picking up his bicycle from Borrow a Bike earlier this year. (Image: North Somerset Council)

“More than 475,000 people globally use the platform, and more than 25 per cent of whom were new to cycling.

"As well as this, the Love to Ride website and app are used by more than 8,000 organisations globally.

“Figures show that more people than ever have been motivated to cycle since lockdown in March.

"The Guardian reported 60 per cent increases in monthly sales figures and electric bike sales increased by 50 per cent in April.

“We want to encourage and incentivise existing, returning and new riders of bikes to keep them cycling throughout winter and beyond.”

To join Love to Ride to take part in Light the Night, or to register for December’s Winter Wheelers challenge, visit www.lovetoride.net/

For details of this and other initiatives to promote sustainable travel for businesses and communities, visit the TravelWest website or email the council’s Sustainable Travel and Road Safety Team at sustainable.travel@n-somerset.gov.uk