British Cycling is joining forces with the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to encourage the British public to take up cycling as part of a healthy, active lifestyle.

As the national governing body for cycling, British Cycling, alongside its principle partner Sky, works to get people cycling at all levels and last year achieved its target of getting one million more people regularly riding bikes.

In recognition of the BHF’s focus on cycling – with over 25 mass scale BHF-hosted cycling events now taking place each year nationwide – British Cycling is partnering with the charity to use its expertise to support a joint vision to inspire more people to take up cycling.

As part of the partnership, British Cycling and the BHF will be offering cyclists opportunities to build their confidence and a whole host of materials to improve their cycling skills and build their confidence. Throughout 2014, British Cycling‘s Sky Ride Local programme has included specially-organised guided training rides to help BHF members prepare for cycling challenges like London to Brighton, led by trained Ride Leaders. By becoming a British Cycling member, via the BHF website, cyclists will also receive a membership package and have access to training materials, discount offers for Halfords and British Cycling’s Wiggle Shop, priority access to UK cycle events and much more.

The partnership will also look to raise funds to drive forward the fight against heart disease - every time a cyclist  signs up to become a British Cycling member via the BHF website, a £4 donation will be made to the nation’s heart charity.

British Cycling’s Recreation and Partnerships Director, Stewart Kellett said:

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with the BHF to get more people pedaling, not only to improve their health but also to power research to raise vital funds to tackle the UK’s single biggest killer, coronary heart disease. Together with the BHF, we are hoping to inspire people the length and breadth of the country to saddle up to help improve their fitness and overall heart health as well as helping further a truly worthy cause.

“By becoming a British Cycling Member, cyclists will have access to training material to get them in tip-top shape for their upcoming ride. We also have a number of training rides available to BHF supporters to get them ready for any cycling challenge.”

Cycling Project Manager at the BHF, Shoshanna Goodman, said:

“Our partnership with British Cycling will provide our supporters with additional guidance and expertise to help them build their confidence and prepare for one of our bike rides.

“Each year around 60,000 cyclists get on their bike for us and challenge themselves on road, off-road, overnight or overseas, raising approximately £5million for life-saving research. Cycling is a fantastic way to keep your heart healthy and by taking on a ride for us, not only will you be keeping fit but you will be helping us fund life-saving research.”

Click here to find out more about the British Cycling membership via the BHF website; more information on British Cycling’s recreational cycling opportunities can be found here.