A new website has been launched to get people on their bike.

The Love to Ride site is the brainchild of Stevenage Borough Council to encourage residents to make use of the extensive cycle routes in the town while getting healthy and cutting car use.

The authority said the town already has one of the highest numbers of cyclists in Herts, but wants to get even more people active by signing up to the site to choose routes, set regular goals and clock up a ‘virtual ride’ of miles covered.

The site also gives information on roads, picking the right bike and cycling at night.

Ralph Raynor, portfolio holder for transport at the council said: “We have a growing number of regular and new cyclists in Stevenage and whether they cycle for fitness or transport, the website will be a helpful tool. Cycling is healthy, green and free, and we want to see more people pedalling.”

The website is at www.lovetoride.net/stevenage