Lincoln commuters save £9k in fuel costs with cycle challenge

Lincoln cyclists who are mid way through a 4-week challenge have amassed £9,000 in fuel savings as well as covering almost 30,000 miles.

The Lincs Cycle Challenge encourages individuals to get on their bike, cycle more for work or leisure and record their journeys online.

It runs until Sunday, October 12, and is delivered by the Access LN6 team at Lincolnshire County Council.

Anyone recording a journey online will be entered into a prize draw to win a brand new bike, and there are daily spot prizes including helmets, book vouchers and cycling accessories.

The number of miles participants cycle will also allow them to unlock local rewards such as 2-for-1 cinema tickets and discount vouchers.

More than 1,200 people and 100 businesses have signed up for the 4-week challenge so far, and together they have burnt  a million calories and saved 10,000kg of CO2.

Councillor Richard Davies, Executive Councillor for Highways and Transportation at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “For many people it is much easier to make excuses not to cycle, than to get their bikes out and give it a go.

“The fact that these cyclists have saved £9,000 in just two weeks shows how much individually you could save if cycling to work every day, or just a few times per week.”

Samantha Turczyn works at Siemens and is taking part in the challenge. She said: “I hadn’t cycled for more than 12 months and was using the children as an excuse; I felt that with the school run it would be too difficult, but when the Lincs Cycle Challenge was circulated, I decided to give it a go.

“I started cycling twice a week, my fitness levels have improved and the money I save has been great.

“I like the fact that I can log journeys and earn rewards and prizes – it’s a great way to encourage people like me that make excuses not to cycle, to get on their bikes and take part.”

At the end of the Lincs Cycle Challenge, the Access LN6 team will hold a celebration event for everyone taking part in the scheme.

All cyclists are invited to the event on Tuesday, October 21, 4.30pm – 6.30pm at The Showroom for free bike maintenance, hi-vis cycling gear, HGV cycle awareness, smoothie bike, try a bike and much more.

Olympic cycling silver and bronze medallist Bryan Steel will also be handing out prizes at 6.00pm.

With one week of the Lincs Cycle Challenge still left, there’s still time to register. For more information, people can contact the Access LN6 team on 01522 782 070 or [email protected].