In order to further promote cycling to work, the Active Travel Unit is encouraging local commuters to join in with National "Cycle to Work Day" on Thursday.

So far, 12 staff at the Guernsey offices of KPMG Channel Islands Limited have taken up the challenge to take part in the initiative. Executive Director Debbie Smith said: “As an award-winning Employer of Choice we are committed to attracting, developing and retaining quality people within KPMG and we have a number of employee wellbeing initiatives to support our people. We are very happy to support the aims of Cycle to Work Day which fit well with our own values.”

Ann Outram, Corporate Relations Manager, said: “Healthspan are delighted to support healthy lifestyle choices for our staff - like riding to work on Cycle to Work Day. We‟re incentivising people to get on their bikes by offering nutritious smoothies to those who swap cars for bikes on the 3rd of September.”

Tim Prout, Active Travel Communications Officer said, “It is encouraging to see that so many people are viewing cycling to work as a viable alternative to the daily commute by motor car.

“Supporting National Cycle to Work Day provides an ideal opportunity to show what a real difference we could all make if we were prepared to cycle to work at least once a week, and what better opportunity than while there are restrictions in place on traffic flows on the main arterial route into St. Peter Port along Les Banques. In addition to reducing overall traffic flows, the added health benefits associated with cycling regularly mean that you get fitter and feel better as well as saving money on your motoring costs and door to door it can be quicker than driving to work so it really is worth considering making the change.”

If your bike needs a check then Ian Brown’s Cycle Shop will be supporting Cycle to Work Day by having a mobile bike checking station on North Beach car park. Cyclists can come along and have their cycle checked over for free at any time between midday and 2pm.