WORKPLACES across Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch are taking part in a free competition to encourage more people to ride bikes.

Poole Hospital, Lush Handmade Cosmetics, LV= and Sunseeker International are among 100 employers taking part in the Momentum Cycle Challenge, which started on May 27.

More than 3,000 people are expected to take part in the challenge before June 12.

Cllr Xena Dion, cabinet portfolio holder for transportation at Borough of Poole, said: “Cycling is a great way to improve fitness, reduce your carbon footprint and make the most of the fabulous scenery we have in Poole.

“I’m really pleased and encouraged by the fact so many local businesses have signed up and I hope people will see how much fun cycling is even for just a short time a day.”

Organisations are pitted against those of a similar size in six categories from three to six staff to 500-plus.

Scores are calculated on a website so businesses can check their current placing, and those with the most staff riding for 10 minutes or more will win prizes including a spa day, a kite surfing course, new bikes and a bike ‘computer’.

l A ‘try a bike’ event is being held at Poole Park from 10am to 6pm on Wednesday.