Firms are being urged to ease traffic congestion in and around Bristol by helping their employees get active and take more sustainable journeys to work for six weeks from next Monday.
The annual Travelwest Challenge returns for another year to celebrate the benefits of sustainable travel and the positive impact it can have on the environment, local communities and physical and mental wellbeing. 
Businesses can help their staff walk, cycle, use public transport or share lifts.
Businesses taking part find that encouraging staff to travel more sustainably contributes to creating a healthier workforce with less absenteeism and improved productivity.
Last year, hundreds of businesses signed up and thousands of staff competed to see who could reach the top of the leaderboard.
Firms can take part in the travel challenge, which lasts until July 21 by logging how their staff have got to work on a free app. Individuals and teams can compete against each other to be in with a chance of winning a range of prizes each week.
Any business or individual who lives or works in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Bath & North East Somerset can take part in the Travelwest Challenge.
Bristol City Council cabinet member for transport Cllr Kye Dudd said: “The Travelwest Challenge is a great way of highlighting the important role public transport plays in helping our city and region to thrive.
“I encourage everyone to support the campaign and consider alternative travel options.
“Whether it’s walking, cycling, using public transport or lift sharing, all efforts to reduce the congestion on our roads and introduce healthy and active travel will make a positive difference.”
Last year’s winners were – microbusiness: Key Transport Consultants, small business: Transport Planning Associates, medium-sized business: Triodos Bank, large business: DAC Beachcroft
Winners of theTravelwest Challenge 2019 will be invited to attend the Travelwest Awards later in the year to receive their certificates.
To register or find out more, visit: www.travelwest.info/challenge
