It’s Bristol versus Europe in the annual European Cycling Challenge this May

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

The European Cycling Challenge arrives in Bristol next month and will encourage people from all over Europe to compete for the prestigious prize of cycling the highest number of bike miles for their city during 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 be a Bristol resident as cycling in and around the city will help Bristol’s total mileage tally.

Mayor of Bristol George Ferguson 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’s easy to register, simply 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 are not in possession of a bike, you can find a loan bike or hire one from a bike shop in your area as well.

You can sign up to the challenge at any point during May - right up until the very last day. Every trip, commute to work or leisure ride you make during May 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 through an online account.

To keep abreast of the latest information and the success go to Better by Bike Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to spread the word and help Bristol be victorious!