A CAMPAIGN to get more people on their bikes was a huge success in the region.

More than 1,800 people in West Yorkshire together cycled nearly 290,500 miles during the Cycle September initiative.

And 182 organisations across the region, including several in the Keighley district, got involved.

Cycle September aims to encourage people to leave their cars at home and either saddle-up or walk.

The annual challenge is run through West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s CityConnect programme, and UK-wide in conjunction with Love to Ride.

Participants register online and can then log miles, set goals and earn badges for cycling to work for a week, riding 100 miles or encouraging a friend or colleague to take part. Fun competitions take place between individuals and workplaces.

Councillor Kim Groves, chairman of the combined authority’s transport committee, said this year’s challenge was the most successful yet in the region.

“Well done to everyone who took part in Cycle September,” she said.

“This year more than ten per cent of all participating organisations across the UK were in West Yorkshire, which is testament to our region’s appetite for cycling.

“We know that encouraging more of us to travel by bike or on foot not only boosts people’s health and saves individuals money, but it also brings wider environmental and economic benefits. That is why we want to make cycling and walking a natural choice for short, everyday journeys.

“Whether you cycle every day or haven’t been on a bike in years, our online cycle challenges help provide that extra bit of motivation, especially at this time of year.”