An East Ayrshire cycling initiative is set to be extended until next year due its popularity and benefits, according to a council report.

The scheme was introduced earlier this year, as a way to encourage people onto their bikes.

It has been delivered in partnership with Love to Ride UK, an organisation which provides an online programme which is available to individuals, communities and workplaces.

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Participants can join a workplace or group, log their rides, receive targeted advice to help overcome barriers, view leaderboards, set goals, win prizes and more.

A report for East Ayrshire Council's cabinet next week recommends an extension to the scheme until at least March 2025, with the possibility of a further extension, subject to funding.

According to the report, the cost to extend the scheme until next year would be £28,420.

The report adds: "The initiative is designed to build upon the outreach work formerly undertaken by the East Ayrshire Active Travel Hub and the initial contract term was for 5 months to May 2024 and participation is steadily building momentum.

"The mission is to encourage more people to choose cycling as the preferred mode of travel for everyday use.

"This is achieved through a range of tailored communications, incentives and local information which addresses barriers.

"Peer encouragement features create a community support group through a 5 dedicated website."

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On the website or through the app users can log trips, post photos and stories and take part in rolling seasonal campaigns such as the Ride to Spring campaign in March and the Bike Month campaign in May.

Future campaigns are planned for September and December this year.

The report says that the campaign has engaged 18 workplaces and 256 riders across East Ayrshire.

This has totalled to 302,515 trip miles recorded across 16,904 journeys which has generated a saving of around 25,234 pounds in CO2 emissions.