Bristol versus Europe in the annual European Cycling Challenge this May 2015

Bristol is calling on you to get on your bike and record your miles during May to help the city compete amongst the best cycling cities in Europe.

The European Cycling Challenge comes to Bristol next month and encourages people from all over Europe to compete for the prestigious prize of cycling the highest number of bike miles for their city during 1st-31st May. 

This might be cycling to work, school, university, the shops, or your leisure miles – it all counts. In fact, you don’t even need to live in Bristol as cycling in and around the city will help contribute towards the total mileage tally.

George Ferguson, Mayor of Bristol said: “Bristol is already regarded as the UK’s premier cycling city in spite of its challenging topography! This is largely thanks to a 40-year history of cycling initiatives and a surge in commuting by bike over the last decade, so there’s every reason why we should take our ambitions to the next level during our Green Capital year and join thousands of riders across Europe for this challenge.

“If you’re stuck for something to do any weekend, please encourage your friends and family to get on their bikes and enjoy an exhilarating bike ride whilst recording your miles for Bristol. If you cycle to work, then you can make this journey count towards Bristol’s place on the leaderboard.”

It is simple to register, just visit www.betterbybike.info/campaigns/ecc2015 to find out everything you need to know and be inspired by local leisure rides. You can follow Bristol’s progress on social media channels, and if you do not have a bike, where you can find a loan bike or hire one from a bike shop in your area. 

You can sign up to the challenge at any point during May - right up until the very last day. So every trip, commute to work or leisure ride you make during the month will help towards Bristol’s tally, which you can track via the online leaderboard. Track your journeys via both Android and Apple smartphone Apps, or by logging your miles via an online account. 

To follow the success, visit the Better by Bike Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to spread the word and help Bristol win.