Hundreds of teams and thousands of riders have already signed up. Open to all - non-cycle owners can participate on Barclays Cycle Hire bikes. Start logging miles from 18 June to maximise points scored.

The challenge is out there every year to teams to take part in this terrific event

With the start of the London Cycle Challenge fast approaching, Mayor of London Boris Johnson is urging teams get registered and maximise their miles.

Thousands of Londoners have already signed up to take part in this year's event, which is run by Transport for London (TfL) and takes place between 18 June and 15 July.

Miles mean points, so by logging miles from the very start, each team stands the greatest chance of glory.

To encourage beginners, the first miles cycled are worth the most points, so get as many members on board as you can.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: 'As part of my ongoing work to create a 'cyclised' London the challenge is out there every year to teams to take part in this terrific event.

'With bragging rights at stake I would urge all teams that have not already registered to do so by the start date and give themselves the best chance of victory.'

Groups of friends, families, work colleagues or schools can create teams to challenge each other and other teams to see who can cycle the most miles.

Free entry

All cycle journeys count - for work or for fun - even out of London, and there are prizes of cycling goodies for small, medium and large teams.

It is free to enter and online team registration is open to everyone who lives, works or studies in London.

Plus, thanks to the Barclays Cycle Hire scheme - you don't even need to own your own bike to get involved.

This year, entrants will also benefit from the arrival of the Barclays Cycle Superhighways - a series of cycle routes into central London from Outer London which provide cyclists with safer, faster and more direct journeys into the city.

The first two have launched, with two more opening in summer 2011 and the remaining eight introduced by 2015.

One of the more unusual entrants is Dynasty Mas Carnival Band, who will be showcasing their spectacular carnival costumes in front of the million-plus visitors at the Notting Hill Carnival in August.

Costume design co-ordinator Barbie Munro said: 'This year we are combining cycle challenge with our 'get fit for the road' campaign.

'Parading along the streets of Notting Hill over two days can be a real test of endurance so we urge all our masqueraders to get fit.

Score a victory

'We will log miles as we cycle to and from the gym, aerobic and dance classes to get in shape.

'Hopefully we can secure a double victory in both Cycle Challenge and best costume competition at carnival.'

Entrants simply need to visit the TfL website where they can join or register a team, and then log their miles throughout the challenge.

Progress can be checked on a real-time leader board and friendly rivalry is encouraged by joining the London Cycle Challenge 2011 Facebook group.

A short promotional film about the challenge also appears on the website.

Last year more than 10,000 Londoners took part in the challenge.

If you want to get involved, but are not a regular cyclist, there is plenty of support available including TfL supported cycle training and a series of cycle guides which will help get you started and find your way around London.

Find out more about TfL's support for cyclists online.

Notes to editors:

  • The London Cycle Challenge has four categories of awards:
    • Best performing Category 1 team (two-10 members)
    • Best performing Category 2 team (11-50 members)
    • Best performing Category 3 team (50-100 members)
    • Best performing Category 4 (101 plus members)
  • For more details on the competition, the prizes, and to sign up, go to tfl.gov.uk/cyclechallenge. There is also a Facebook group
  • A picture of Dynasty Carnival Band member in costume posing on a Barclays Cycle Hire bike is available on request
  • The short promotional film which appears on the London Cycle Challenge website is available for download and distribution via YouTube
  • The number of cycle journeys made each day have increased by around 150 per cent since 2000 on the TfL Road Network (TLRN), which are roads owned and maintained by TfL
  • Around half a million cycle journeys are now made on London's major roads every day
  • Barclays Cycle Hire operates across central London. Docking stations and hire bicycles are currently available in Camden, City of London, Hackney, Islington, Lambeth, Kensington & Chelsea, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Westminster and several of the Royal Parks
  • The creation of an easy-to-use cycle hire scheme was a key pledge of the Mayor's manifesto. Barclays Cycle Hire is now transforming the way that people make short trips around central London
  • There are 12 Barclays Cycle Superhighways planned for the Capital. The first two routes were launched in July 2010, running from Merton to the City via the A24 and A3 (CS7), and Barking to Tower Gateway via the A13 and Cable Street (CS3)
  • Routes CS2 and CS8 and will be completed by summer 2011. CS2 will run from Aldgate to Bow and CS8 will run from Westminster to Wandsworth. The remaining eight routes will be up and running by the end of 2015
  • For more information about cycling in London, including training and ordering free guides, go to tfl.gov.uk/cycling