2019 - the best Cycle September yet for West Yorkshire

17 October 2019

People across the region helped pedal West Yorkshire to success again last month by switching to two wheels for Cycle September – a fun and friendly challenge run through West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s CityConnect programme aimed at encouraging more people to cycle and walk.

More than 1,880 people from 182 organisations across West Yorkshire cycled nearly 290,500 miles during Cycle September – that’s the equivalent of cycling Land’s End to John o’Groats 332 times – and saving 63,489 lbs of CO2.

Last year, more than 1,800 people across West Yorkshire cycled nearly 270,000 miles, making 2019’s event the best yet. 

The Combined Authority joined forces with Cycle September organisers Love to Ride for the UK-wide event aimed at getting more people to discover the benefits of cycling by taking part in a fun and friendly cycle challenge.

Romain Cames is Bike Hub Co-ordinator at the University of Leeds, winners of this Cycle September’s “2000+ staff” category.

He said: “We’re thrilled to have taken part in Cycle September again this year, during which a thriving cycling community of 197 cyclists (including 10 new riders) cycled a total of 25,184 miles.

“Our staff are reporting great health and wellbeing benefits, while increasing numbers of people are encouraging each other to travel by bike, whether that’s commuting to work or for fun.

“Last year we became one of CityConnect’s Gold Bike Friendly Businesses and we continue to expand our range of support, including our Bike Hub, which offers bike hire, maintenance, and advice.”

Councillor Kim Groves, Chair of West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee, said: “Well done to everyone who took part in Cycle September.  This year, more than 10% of all participating organisations across the UK were in West Yorkshire, which is testament to our region’s appetite for cycling. 

“We know encouraging more of us to travel by bike or on foot not only boosts people’s health and saves individuals money, it also brings wider environmental and economic benefits, which is why we want to make cycling and walking a natural choice for short, everyday journeys.

“Whether you cycle every day or whether you haven't been on a bike in years, if you’re cycling for transport or for fun, whatever time and wherever you’re going, our online cycle challenges help provide that extra bit of motivation, especially at this time of year."

CityConnect runs online cycle challenges throughout the year in partnership with Love to Ride.

Registering on the Love to Ride website allows participants to log miles, set goals and earn badges for cycling to work for a week, riding 100 miles or encouraging a friend or colleague to take part, with friendly competitions taking place between individuals and workplaces.

Love to Ride can be easily connected to many popular cycling apps such as Strava and Ride Report, which will then automatically record the miles cycled on Love to Ride and enter riders into prize draws. Register for Love to Ride. 

From route information to support for businesses, find out how CityConnect can help you.

West Yorkshire’s Cycle September 2019 winners

View the full results for West Yorkshire.