Cycle September winners Calderdale Council gear up for Ride to Work Week

CityConnect runs online cycle challenges throughout the year in partnership with Love to Ride, including Cycle September.

During Cycle September more than 1,800 people from 176 organisations across West Yorkshire cycled nearly 270,000 miles with participants saving almost 63,000 lbs of CO2 – the equivalent of driving 91,947 miles in a medium sized petrol car.

Calderdale Council, which has been accessing free expert advice through CityConnect’s Bike Friendly Business scheme, beat off stiff competition to be crowned overall winners of Cycle September.

More than 60 staff at the council took part, including 12 new riders who cycled nearly 6,000 miles between them.

One of those new riders, Maggie Blaylock (middle row, right), said: “Using lovetoride.net/cityconnect helps to keep me motivated and I’ve already reached several goals, including the ‘Champ’ 1,000 mile badge.

“I only did my first bike commute last year and it’s now become my preferred way to travel. I now start and end most work days with an enjoyable nine mile trip, regularly seeing herons, deer and lots of other wildlife. I arrive at my destination feeling fitter, more energised and stress-free.”

Peter Oddy (middle row, left), who also works at Calderdale Council, said: “Before Cycle September I hadn’t ridden a bike for 17 years. I’d previously been a regular cyclist, having completed Land’s End to John O’Groats in just 5.5 days, but a serious back injury in 2001 resulted in me relying on long-term medication for over 10 years.

“Three years ago I decided to come off the medication and decided to rebuild my life. I started walking more and took up pilates which really helped. My ultimate goal was to get back on my bike and be able to cycle to Skipton and back – a route I used to enjoy.

“When I saw Calderdale Council was taking part in Cycle September it was the perfect opportunity to get back on the bike. I set myself a goal of riding 100 miles in September and I’m so pleased I achieved it and helped the council win the trophy.”

“Since coming off medication I’ve lost five stone and cycling is really helping to keep me fit and healthy. I now ride over 100 miles every month, including commuting to work twice a week and have already completed my goal of riding to Skipton and back so my new goal is to ride 60 miles in a day.”