Bristol cycling challenge returns with £3,000 holiday prize

Bristol’s annual cycling challenge returns this month with a £3,000 holiday among the prizes for participants.

Cycle September runs throughout the month and is free to enter for individuals, workplaces, schools and community groups.

Last year, people from 137 Bristol workplaces logged 19,822 bike trips including 14,612 journeys for transport, saving an estimated 18,917kg of carbon dioxide.

Cllr Ed Plowden, chair of the Transport and Connectivity Committee, said: “Last year’s results show the growing impact of Cycle September in Bristol. Participants logged 21 per cent more transport trips than in 2024 and increased the estimated carbon savings from their journeys by 31 per cent.”

He added: “I urge people to give it a go, especially new or retuning cyclists, as in the past many people new to cycling have found out how it is a quick, convenient, healthy and enjoyable way to get around the city and go on to become regular cyclists.”

The challenge is open to everyone from regular cyclists to those who have not ridden in years.

Participants can compete on local, national and industry leaderboards once registered.

New for 2026, people can earn points by using the Love to Ride app to rate the routes they cycle.

Livy Wallis, Love to Ride project manager, said: “Last year, nearly 1,400 people took part, riding more than 156,000 miles between them in September and we’d love to see even more people getting involved this year. You don’t need to ride far or fast – a commute, a trip to the shops or a leisurely ride all count.”

Bristol City Council offers free bike loans for up to one month, cycle training and Dr Bike safety checks for those without a working bike.

The challenge is organised by Love to Ride and supported by Bristol City Council.