Tell your colleague to get on their bike! Team challenge to get as many people cycling as you can during September

Tell your colleague to get on their bike! Team challenge to get as many people cycling as you can during September

Council employees along with those from organisations across Aberdeenshire are being encouraged to sign up now to participate in the first ever Aberdeenshire Cycling Challenge from September 7 – 27.

In association with Love to Ride, an organisation working across the UK to encourage more people to cycle, the council is challenging you to get as many people as possible signed up to cycle just as much as you can for three weeks – that might be 10 minutes a day, a couple of 20 minute outings at the weekend, or commuting by bike instead of car (it’s up to you). It’s not about how fast or far you cycle but how many individuals from your team, department and/or organisation get on their bikes.

It’s free to enter and participants can sign up at http://www.lovetoride.net/aberdeenshire It’s open to all local organisations and employees can select Aberdeenshire Council from the drop down menu.

This comes as an Electric Vehicle Roadshow is also announced for September in Aberdeenshire. Electric vehicles will be showcased in Inverurie (September 6), Peterhead (September 13), Westhill Arnhall Business Park (September 17), Woodhill House (September 18), Fraserburgh (September 20), Huntly (September 27) and Ellon (October 4). The council is looking to increase the uptake of ultralow carbon battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles by demonstrating how easy and efficient the vehicles are to use. More details to be announced soon.

The cycling challenge and roadshow are part of the council’s strategy to promote healthy and sustainable travel. These both form part of the Integrated Travel Town project which aims to raise awareness of the transport options available and encourage people to consider alternatives when looking at ways to reduce motoring costs and CO2 emissions.

Jim Savege, Chief Executive of Aberdeenshire Council who is himself a cycling enthusiast, said: “We hope to inspire and support many local people to realise the health, economic and wellbeing benefits of cycling. For those who perhaps haven’t been on a bike since they were children, I can promise you it’s just as fun! What better a backdrop for an outing than the stunning scenery we have here in Aberdeenshire.”

Niall Silvestro, Travel and Benefits Officer, added: “Our comprehensive Cycle to Work scheme enables staff to obtain brand new bicycles and safety equipment with the cost conveniently spread over monthly interest free salary deductions. Local and national bicycle suppliers have joined the scheme and savings of up to 42% are available through reduced income tax and national insurance contributions.

Prizes for highest levels of participation in the cycling challenge are awarded at an organisational, local and national level. These include a trip to New Zealand, Kryptonite bike locks, annual membership with the National Trust, Active Aberdeenshire memberships, passes for Go Ape (Tree Top Adventure in Crathes), cinema tickets and a £25 voucher for Cycle Highlands.

Those participating in the challenge are also eligible to take up special offers such as bike hire for just £15 per day throughout the challenge with Cycle Highlands, 10% off bike hire with Banchory Cycles, and Alpine Bikes are offering 5% discount on bikes and 10% on accessories.