SWINDON Borough Council are encouraging people to get on their bikes for the new year.

The council will be running competitions, roadshows and information events over the next few months to promote the benefits of cycling and highlighting the numerous traffic-free routes that are available across the Borough.

A council spokesman said: “ Cycling has many health benefits and is a great way to work off the surplus calories accrued during Christmas and New Year. It can be a truly invigorating and liberating experience, enjoyed by people of all ages and from all walks of life.”

A brand-new Swindon cycle map has been launched, which can be viewed and downloaded via the Swindon Travel choices website.

Cllr Maureen Penny, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and the Environment, said: “ We are very lucky in Swindon to have a fantastic cycle network which we have enhanced in recent years by creating the Western, Eastern and Southern Flyers to make it even easier for people to cycle into the centre of Swindon.

“We want to use this cycling campaign to get even more people onto their bikes and out of their cars, so we not only benefit the air quality in Swindon, but we improve people’s health and wellbeing.

“So, if you are looking for a new challenge in 2020, or thinking about doing some extra exercise following the festive period, why not pick up a bike and start pedalling towards a new lifestyle?”