Cycle challenge thrown down to local firms

4:41pm Tuesday 22nd July 2008

ALMOST 500 people have got on their bikes to support the Swindon Workplace Cycle Challenge.

The challenge pits organisations and departments against each other to see who can get the most staff to ride a bike for 10 minutes or more.

Anyone taking part can ride anywhere they like during the challenge period, which runs until Sunday.

So far, 480 people have taken up the gauntlet, cycling a combined 10,187 miles.

There are six categories, depending on the size of the organisation taking part, and the winners will be the companies with the highest percentage of their staff riding a bike.

Prizes include a new bike worth £599, cycle gear, shop vouchers and workplace treats.

Of the 28 companies and organisations in Swindon that are taking part Halcrow, Npower Technology Services, Swindon Council's sports development team, Zurich's Creative Agency, Legatio Technologies Ltd and The National Trust are leading the way.

But organisers say there is still plenty of time for other firms to catch up.

Bethan Lane, who works at New College, is just one of the people taking part.

She said: "My husband has been trying to persuade me to get a bike for the last few months but it was something that I just hadn't got round to.

"This cycle challenge was just the push I needed to go out and buy one.

"I hadn't ridden a bike since I was about 13 years old so it was a bit scary at first, but now I'm really enjoying it.

"It's turning into a bit of a social club; a group of colleagues and I are busy planning lots of ambitious cycle rides to country pubs around Wiltshire so that we can catch up on the gossip at the same time as doing a bit of exercise. It's much more fun that being stuck in a gym!"

Challenge co-ordinator Thomas Stokell said: "We're delighted with how well the Swindon Cycle Challenge has been going.

"People have been getting their old bikes out of the shed and taking them out for a spin down memory lane. I've heard from a number of people who've now said they're going to start cycling more regularly.

"There's a good reason why you never forget how to ride a bike."

The Challenge is open to all organisations in the Swindon area and is free. The programme is funded by the CTC and the Big Lottery and is being supported by Swindon Council and Great Western Community Forest.

To find out more about the initiative visit www. Swindoncyclechallenge.org.uk.