The initiative is a way to promote the benefits of cycling to work/school for both people and the environment, while having fun and winning prizes.

Fresh air, exercise, saving money and time and lowering carbon emissions are among the many benefits of cycling and, like previous years, people who participate will be rewarded. The face of this 11th edition is 2010 Tour de France winner Andy Schleck, who features on banners to promote the scheme to beginners or experienced cyclists.

Everyone who participates is entered in the lucky draw, with a chance to win prizes worth more than €13,000, such as a bicycle, trips, vouchers, gift certificates, equipment and many more.

Register for free before 10 July 2018 in a team of 2 to 4 people working or studying in Luxembourg. The rules state participants must ride their bikes to work, school or university for at least 15 days from 15 May 2018 to 31 July 2018. Each participant will receive a welcome gift from Luxembourg public transport association Verkéiersverbond. At the time of writing, already 215 teams and 402 participants had registered since 1 April.

The scheme is an opportunity to not only encourage people but companies as well, to provide appropriate infrastructures for bike commuters. The Verkéiersverbond’s managing director Gilles Dostert, who has created a company bike environment, urged employers “[…] to provide the right infrastructure as it will definitely get used. If your staff are happier and healthier in the workplace, then that’s an added bonus.” Josiane Mailliet, administrative assistant, also praised the virtues of office bikes: “Using a bike just makes life easier for our staff and they know exactly how long it will take them to get to the next meeting. You’ll never arrive late when you use a bike.”

Until then, participants and those interested in a more sustainable alternative, can use their  “freewheel” to check the MVOS guide (pdf) to help them choose the perfect bicycle and equipment among many other things.