WEST Devon residents are being urged to get on their bikes, as two major events are being backed by the county council's Cycle Devon team in September.

All cyclists who have registered on the Cycle Devon programme are being invited to ride all or part of their commute to work on Devon Car Free Day on Wednesday, September 22.

Rides that are recorded on the Cycle Devon website on that day will be entered into a prize draw for 50 cycle computers and 50 Osprey backpacks made from recycled material. More information will feature on the Cycle Devon website http://www.cycledevon.info">www.cycledevon.info

The Cycle Devon team also supported The Tour of Britain with guided cycle rides around Tavistock yesterday (Wednesday) and on Tuesday.

In the coming months Cycle Devon is aiming to get hundreds more cyclists to sign up to its programme which enables individuals to record their rides and set personal goals to support new or returning cyclists, in particular, to cycle more often. Once goals are completed, cyclists will be put in the prize draw for a £400 bike and also have the opportunity to win other prizes.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County councillor for highways and transportation said: 'It's great to see Cycle Devon getting involved in supporting The Tour of Britain and Devon Car Free Day.

'The recent guided ride initiative was the first of its kind in the county and the feedback to the Cycle Devon team has been incredibly positive.

'We have been able to introduce many beginners and non-cyclists to the joy of two wheels this summer, and many residents have been pleased to find traffic free cycle routes right on their doorstep.

'This month is another great opportunity to help more people to give cycling a go, either in their leisure time or on their journey to work.'

For more information or to register visit http://www.cycledevon.info">www.cycledevon.info and click on the 'Calling All New Cyclists' red button on the top right hand corner of the website. The website also enables cyclists to calculate miles travelled, calories burned and the amount of CO2 saved.