Cycle Challenge kicks off in Central Milton Keynes

25 June 2010

Businesses from across the city gathered in central Milton Keynes on Monday for the launch of the Cycle-MK Challenge. Headed up by Milton Keynes Council and NHS Milton Keynes, the Cycle-MK Challenge is a free competition aimed at encouraging workers to rediscover the joys of riding a bike by building it into their daily lives.

As part of the challenge, businesses will compete to see who can get the most staff cycling from Monday 21st June until Sunday 11th July. Team members can cycle whenever and wherever they feel comfortable as long as it is for just 10 minutes or more.

Participants are encouraged to regularly visit the campaign's website at www.cyclemkchallenge.org.uk to log their trips and be in with the chance of winning prizes for themselves and their companies. By doing so, participants will also see their total cycling time, distance covered, calories burned and CO2 saved over the challenge period. Other activities will also be ongoing over the three weeks from Doctor Bike maintenance sessions to cycle skills training,

Milton Keynes Mayor Debbie Brock, pictured here on Monday, is a keen supporter of cycling and a regular cyclist herself so is well positioned to see the huge benefits of the campaign.

‘'Everyone rides a bike when they're a child but as we grow up, we tend to leave the bike behind and take the car, go to the gym and do other things. This is a great way of reminding people just how much fun cycling is. It's healthy, cheap and a great family activity too''