Pedal fever as city gears up for month of cycling

Glasgow is gearing up for a month of cycling activity as the council launches its first Glasgow and Clyde Cycle Challenge.

Everyone is urged to sign up for the Glasgow and Clyde Cycle Challenge and record their journeys to help improve the city's cycling network.

Taking part in the month long Glasgow and Clyde Cycle Challenge will help create an accurate picture of how cyclists travel about the city and ensure future investment is made in the right places.

You don't need to be a Glasgow resident to take part - the challenge is open to anyone who cycles within the Glasgow and Clyde Valley area.

Councillor Anna Richardson, City Convener for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction, said: "We really want to see as many people as possible taking part in our cycling challenge - the weather is improving and it's a great incentive for everyone to get out on their bike.

"By taking part in the Glasgow and Clyde Cycle Challenge we'll be able to see where people cycle, the routes they take, the routes they don't take, where improvements can be made and where we can better facilitate the needs of cyclists.

"We want Glasgow to have a fully integrated network of cycling routes and it's important we continue to build on the work that's already in progress to create new segregated routes such as the South City Way.

"It doesn't matter if you're cycling to work, to the train station, going to the shops or just enjoying being out on your bike, taking part in the cycle challenge and recording your routes and journeys allows us to learn more about where people are cycling, the junctions, roads and routes favoured by cyclists and those which aren't."

Routes will be collated into a leader board which will be updated daily and hosted on Glasgow's smarter travel website www.smartertravelgla.co.uk which also hosts new graded cycle routes developed in collaboration with Markus Stitz.  The new routes suit all levels of fitness and cycling ability and are designed to encourage you to explore Glasgow and the surrounding countryside.

There will be lots of events and activities taking place throughout May from led rides, themed rides, Dr Bike events and more.

The challenge runs from 1-31 May.

Everyone who signs up will be entered into weekly prize draws.

For more information visit www.smartertravelgla.co.uk/cyclechallenge