Staff at RES Kings Langley are warming up for the Herts Big Cycle Challenge, a work-based initiative designed to get more people cycling between Monday, June 30, and Sunday, July 20.

This year’s event, which is being organised by Hertfordshire County Council in partnership with Challenge for Change, is being co-sponsored by RES.

Dr Ian Mays, CEO of RES group said: "Pollution-free transport is becoming an increasingly high priority, and schemes such as these are highly influential in encouraging people onto bicycles."

Whereas other cycling events tend to highlight distance and performance, the Big Herts Cycle Challenge simply rewards participation. To be eligible to win a prize, all competitors have to do is sign up for a ten minute cycle ride during the challenge period.

"It sounds like a simple formula" says Terry Douris, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways at Hertfordshire County Council, "but research has shown that in previous challenges up to 40 per cent of non-cyclists continue to ride on a weekly basis up to three months after the event.

"Challenges like these form part of Hertfordshire’s Year of Cycling which launched in May and aims to promote cycling as a great way to get and stay fit, and a cheap travel option that helps reduce traffic and pollution."

Businesses can register by visiting www.lovetoride.net/hertfordshire.

There will be special events, rides and challenges for riders of all abilities, and lots of prizes to be won - including a 2014 Giant Escape men’s or women’s bicycle worth mre than £600 sponsored by Lovelo, A Champneys Day Spa for Two, and a £300 High Tea from M&S.

Challenge manager Lizzie Allen said: "It's a fun, free competition to encourage your colleagues to experience the many benefits of cycling. We also have 300 cinema tickets to give away to people who encourage someone who hasn’t cycled in over a year to ride a bike for just 10 minutes or more."