BUSINESSES in Bournemouth are being challenged to take part in a competition to get more people cycling.

The town will host the Momentum Cycle Challenge for the second year, with the aim of persuading as many employees as possible to take to two wheels.

From September 8-28, businesses and not-for-profit organisations can compete in any one of six categories depending on their size.

Cllr Michael Filer, pictured, Bournemouth Borough Council’s cabinet member for transport, said: “The Momentum Cycle Challenge is a great initiative for businesses to encourage their employees to travel more sustainably. Cycling is a healthy activity, which can help reduce stress levels and increase productivity in the workforce.

“Last year’s challenge showed that nearly one quarter of those who took part were non-cyclists. I would encourage all businesses to sign up to the challenge and get involved in Bournemouth’s biggest workplace cycle competition.”

The council is running the challenge as part of its efforts to promote sustainable travel. The money is coming from the Department for Transport’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund.

Last year’s event saw 665 people logging a ride and 3,689 trips made.

Participants will be asked to encourage friends and colleagues to cycle for as little as 10 minutes. Those who part will log their rides online at lovetoride.net and the team with the highest participation in their category wins.

Those who encourage non-cyclists to take part will also be rewarded with free cinema tickets.

Lee Reynolds, momentum challenge manager for Bournemouth, said: “The great thing about Momentum is that, you can ride whenever or wherever you like for as little as 10 minutes. And with some great prizes up for grabs, there’s no excuse not to get on your bike.”

For details, email Lee Reynolds on lee@challengeforchange.com or phone 07850 631335.