Workers and residents in the Junction 32 area of Pontefract and Castleford are gearing up for a month-long cycle challenge.
The Junction 32 Walk and Cycle Challenge invites teams and individuals in the area between Pontefract and Castleford to see who can make the most journeys.
Challengers will compete against other individuals and teams in the local area to win prizes, including free meals and cinema visits at Xscape.
On the website, they will also be able to see how many calories they have burned and the amount of money they have saved on each journey.
The free challenge, organised by sustainable transport charity Sustrans, was launched at Xscape yesterday and runs throughout October.
Local business leaders of Xscape, Juction 32 Outlet Shopping Village and Wakefield District Housing (WDH) will also get on their bikes for the challenge.
Kevin Dodd, chief executive of WDH, has signed up to cycle his 22-mile commute.
He said: “Cycling to work more regularly would help save money, improve your fitness and also help to cut your carbon footprint.
“I would encourage as many people as possible to get involved.”
Sheridan Woolley, Sustrans active travel officer for the Wakefield area, said: “Sustrans is encouraging everyone to have an active, healthy October by hitting the pavement or jumping on the bike and clocking up some miles for the challenge.”
She added: “We are joining in too. It’s a great way to motivate yourself on an October morning.”
The initiative is funded by money raised by HealthAmaze through the Health Lottery.
HealthAmaze is a community interest company that raises money to address health inequalities in Leeds and Wakefield.
Some free bikes are available for staff at J32 Outlet Shopping Village, Xscape or Wakefield and District Housing for one- to two-week loans.
The challenge will end on Wednesday, October 31.
To register for the challenge, or to get your workplace involved, visit: http://j32.getmeactive.org.uk
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