Cyclists across the region are being encouraged to pit their pedal power against other European cities next month, with the chance of winning themselves prizes.

People can now sign up to the European Cycling Challenge (ECC) scheme and help Greater Manchester take on the likes of Rome, Barcelona and Glasgow by clocking cycling mileage and data using the free Naviki app.

The app helps each cyclist to contribute to the overall Greater Manchester ‘team’ mileage and, during the month-long challenge that runs from 1 to 31 May, participants can check progress and overall league position in real-time via an online league table.

GPS data and information on cycling behaviour collected over the period of the challenge will be used by Transport for Greater Manchester to inform future improvement schemes.

Those who sign up to the challenge and register to Greater Manchester will also be entered into weekly free prize draws throughout May with a chance of winning shopping vouchers worth up to £300.

TfGM Committee’s Cycling and Walking Champion, Councillor Chris Paul, said: “The European Cycling Challenge is an excellent way to encourage people to use their bikes as much as possible, exercise, have fun and become part of a collective team effort.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re an elite cyclist, commuter or you just cycle to the shops at the weekend – all contributions count.

“By participating, you’ll also become an active part of the planning process, as your data will help us determine how your cycling needs can better be met in the future.”

Born from an idea in the city of Bologna as a small pilot with around 70 people, the ECC is now one of Europe’s largest cycling events: during the 2016 edition, 52 cities from 17 countries joined the challenge, and 46,000 people cycled four million km in a month.

To sign up for team Greater Manchester, visit www.cyclingchallenge.eu for instructions on downloading the Naviki app and registering. Next go to ‘Settings’ on the home screen, then ‘Contests’, select ECC2017, then choose ‘Greater Manchester’ from the list of cities. And get cycling!

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here