SOUTHAMPTON residents are gearing up for a global bike challenge this month.

My Journey, Southampton City Council’s sustainable travel brand, has teamed up with Love to Ride to run Cycle September for a second year running, it has been revealed.

Cycle September is a free cycling challenge inviting individuals and workplaces to see who can earn the most points for riding and encouraging others throughout the month.

In 2018, approximately 41 organisations and 531 people participated in and around Southampton.

Anyone can take part at any time throughout September, whether they are a seasoned cyclist or a complete beginner.

Cyclists only need to cycle for a minimum of ten minutes to be entered into a prize draw which boasts a seven day mountain bike trip in New Zealand.

Individuals will be rewarded for inviting their family, friends and colleagues to take part, with the most points on offer for encouraging others.

Cllr Jacqui Rayment, deputy leader and cabinet member for Transport and Public Realm, said: “Over the past year, Love to Ride has proven to be a valuable and innovative addition to the My Journey programme.

"Working alongside a successful package of sustainable travel initiatives and the ongoing delivery of new and improved cycle routes, Love to Ride is another important piece in the puzzle and is enabling more local people to cycle through a combination of attractive rewards and a supportive cycling community."

She added: "I am confident that we can make this year’s Cycle September challenge even bigger and better and look forward to seeing more people give cycling a go in September and beyond.”

Nearby businesses can also compete in the challenge, with prizes on offer for those achieving the most points.

To celebrate this year’s challenge, My Journey has awarded a ‘Cycle September grant’ to organisations looking to deliver their own cycling events throughout the month.

HSBC UK Breeze, for Southampton and Eastleigh, is using the grant to run a series of cycling skills workshops for women.

This year’s Cycle September challenge will be launched at Westquay Shopping Centre, Harbour Parade, on September 4 and councillors will compete to achieve the highest score in a roller racing rig competition.

The challenge will be launched from 12pm to 1pm on Level 2 of Westquay