REDDITCH residents are being urged to get off the couch and pedal power their way to fitness as the Borough Council launches a cycling scheme on Saturday, June 3.

As part of the council’s Active Redditch sessions the four week cycling couch to 10km will see participants taking part in confidence building and personal safety sessions before taking to the roads.

Each bike, which must be the rider’s own, will also be safety tested, as part of the one hour session.

Sports development officer Hayley Gwilliam said: "Sometimes people are reluctant to take to the roads on their bikes as they feel vulnerable which is a shame as cycling is very beneficial to health and fitness – and a great way to see the borough.

"These sessions will make people feel more confident riding their bikes outside and together, with like-minded people, they will finish the course by completing 10km in the saddle."

The four week course, costing £12, starts on Saturday, 10.30am, on Stitch Meadow in Arrow Valley Country Park.