COMMUTERS are being encouraged to take to their bikes as part of Cycle to Work Day in Gloucestershire.

Active Gloucestershire aims to increase the amount of sport and physical activity in the county and is using the day to push as many workers as possible to take to the two-wheeled transport.

According to the census, 760,000 people in the UK cycle to work regularly but Active Gloucestershire is aiming to help boost the national figure to one million.

Last year’s event saw 20,000 commuters hit the streets and cycle over a quarter of a million miles on Cycle to Work Day but they hope to double the figure this year on Thursday, September 4.

Active Gloucestershire's marketing and communications officer, Jamie Gordon, said he regularly commutes by bike.

"I have always loved cycling ever since I was a child, however it was difficult for me to find the time in the evenings to take part,” he said.

“I started commuting to work on my bike a few months ago and haven't looked back since. It is a great opportunity not only to stay fit, but also means that you can contribute to easing congestion and carbon emissions.”

For more information, visit www.cycletoworkday.org