Get your office onto two wheels with the launch of the Workplace Cycle Challenge

14 July 2014
  • The Workplace Cycle Challenge pits London businesses against each other to get the most staff riding in the lead up to August's Prudential RideLondon
  • New mobile app to log cycle rides, get cycling tips and discover new routes
  • Take part to be in with a chance to win some fantastic prizes including VIP access to the Prudential RideLondon finish, an item of signed Team GB cycling kit and cycling accessories

Riding on the success of the Tour de France's return to London, and with Prudential RideLondon on the horizon on 9 and 10 August, Transport for London (TfL) has launched the next stage of its London Cycle Challenge to get businesses in the saddle.  

Focusing on participation, the Workplace Cycle Challenge runs until 1 August and looks to see which London businesses can get the most people to ride a bike for 10 minutes or more.

The challenge is not about who can cycle the most miles, but who can encourage the most people to get pedalling.

Organisations and departments will compete against those of a similar size for a fair chance of winning - acting as a great warm-up for the Prudential RideLondon festival of cycling on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 August.  

There is also a new mobile app to make it easier to record rides, set targets, and encourage friends and family to give cycling a go.

The app, which is free to download and available on Apple iOS and Android, allows users to log your ride automatically using GPS.   The fantastic prizes up for grabs include access to the Prudential RideLondon finish area, an item of signed Team GB cycling kit, cycling accessories and baked goodies for you and your colleagues. To be in with a chance of winning, simply get as many people as you can to register and ride a bike for ten minutes or more.  

Chris Mather, Head of Business Engagement at TfL, said: "The Workplace Cycle Challenge is a great opportunity to show how simple and fun cycling can be. With more than a million spectators witnessing the Tour de France Stage 3 finishing in London last week, the annual Prudential RideLondon weekend fast approaching in August and the Tour of Britain in September, interest in cycling in the capital has never been higher. The challenge will give everyone working in London all the incentive they need to take to two wheels.   "It's aimed at all levels, from those who don't own a bike, to those who regularly cycle to work. There really is something in it for everyone with some great prizes on offer. Whether this will be your first time on a bike for a long time, or you are a seasoned commuter cyclist, the emphasis is simply on giving cycling a try." 

People wishing to take part in the challenge who don't have a bike can use Barclays Cycle Hire. In just three easy steps, users can hire, ride and return a bike at any available docking station.   After the Workplace Challenge there will be the final challenge, the Goal Setting Challenge - helping to keep Londoners in the saddle all summer. Registration is open and it's free to participate. For more information, go to tfl.gov.uk/cyclechallenge.

Sign up for the Workplace Cycle Challenge at tfl.gov.uk/cyclechallenge

Download the app, Love to Ride, from the following links

  • Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.challengeforchange.lovetoride&hl=en
  • Apple App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/love-to-ride/id656668092?mt=8
  • The London Cycle Challenge focuses on participation, rather than miles cycled. There are six size categories of business in the Workplace Cycle Challenge to level the playing field. From businesses of six and under, to those with more than 500 members of staff
  • Prudential RideLondon, the world class festival of cycling, on 9 and 10 August is the next high point of this spectacular summer of cycling in London, following the amazing visit of the Tour de France to the capital, and finally the Tour of Britain, which finishes in the capital on 14 September
  • Roads and bridges will be affected across London and Surrey. For more information about Prudential RideLondon and to plan your travel options, go to tfl.gov.uk/prudentialridelondon or prudentialridelondon.co.uk
  • This summer's cycling events are likely to inspire thousands more Londoners to take to two wheels, building on the Mayor's ambition for cycling to be an integral part of the transport network. As part of his cycling vision, the Mayor is already engaging in a vast £1billion programme of improvements  - creating a series of enhanced cycling superhighways, urban 'quietways' for more cautious cyclists, and turning some outer boroughs into mini-Holland
  • For more information on the Mayor's Vision for Cycling visit http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/about-tfl/how-we-work/planning-for-the-future/vision-for-cycling  

The Mayor is committed to ensuring London retains its status as the world capital of sport, and has recently set up the Major Events Oversight Board. The board is chaired by Sir Edward Lister, and comprises of TfL, the emergency services and other key partner agencies. It provides strategic direction and advice to the Mayor on the approach to bidding, staging and evaluating major events in London. The board ensures that all major road events continue to be carefully considered and tightly managed to ensure everyone gets full benefit from the event without undue impact on Londoners and London's transport. The board also looks at ways to ensure the major events programme is effectively communicated with Londoners, visitors, businesses and stakeholders to allow sufficient notice and forward planning for everyone