KEIGHLEY people are being urged to get on their bikes for a new challenge.

Participants can go online to set goals, log their mileage and earn badges.

The Cycle September initiative is being run through West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s CityConnect programme, which aims to encourage more people to cycle and walk.

And it is being staged in conjunction with Love to Ride, whose website is taking registrations for the challenge – go to lovetoride.net/cityconnect.

People can cycle to work for a week, ride 100 miles and take part in friendly competitions between individuals and workplaces.

Councillor Kim Groves, chairman of the combined authority’s transport committee, said: “We know that encouraging more of us to travel by bike or on foot not only boosts people’s health and saves individuals money, but it also brings wider environmental and economic benefits for everyone. That is why we want to make cycling and walking a natural choice for short, everyday journeys.

“We are keen that as many people as possible get involved in Cycle September – whether you cycle every day or haven’t been on a bike in years, if you’re cycling for transport or for fun, whatever time and wherever you’re going.

“Last year more than 1,800 people across West Yorkshire cycled nearly 270,000 miles during Cycle September, and we’re hoping to make this year even bigger and better.”