Leeds cyclists receive Christmas boost

The Winter Wheelers’ scheme is offering an advent calendar full of cycling treats during December.

Every time a participant logs a cycle journey with Love to Ride CityConnect, they are entered into a Winter Wheelers prize draw to win that day’s prize, from cycle clothing to high-quality lights to ‘goody bags’, or even a new bike worth £500 if they log a ride on Christmas Day.

Councillor Keith Wakefield, West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport chairman, said: “Sometimes a little bit more encouragement is needed to keep cycling when the nights are dark and cold, so this winter cycle competition, Winter Wheelers, is a fun and festive way to stay motivated.

“Travelling by bike all year round helps people to save on commuting costs and stay healthy, especially so during one of the most indulgent times of the year. I hope as many businesses as possible across West Yorkshire will get involved and encourage their employees to take part.”

Winter Wheelers is one of Love to Ride’s four seasonal promotions which are delivered as part of West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s CityConnect programme. Now in its second year, Love to Ride participants, including 1,400 new cyclists, in West Yorkshire have logged over 1.7 million miles. That’s the equivalent of cycling to the moon and back more than three times. Dom Jacques, from Love to Ride, said the scheme showed cycling has now become an everyday activity for many people.

Anyone over 16 can take part in Winter Wheelers by registering for free at www.lovetoride.net/cityconnect.