DRIVERS are being encouraged to ditch their cars and hop on the saddle for their daily commute.

BikeSmart Reading is offering a number of prizes in a bid to get motorists on their bikes for day-to-day journeys.

Participants can earn points by using the Betterpoints tracking app and there is a chance to win monthly prizes for cycling more than one mile every time they take a trip.

The programme is being delivered by Avanti Cycling, Betterpoints, ReadyBike and Love to Ride, in partnership with Reading Borough Council.

Councillor Tony Page, lead member for Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport, said: “BikeSmart Reading is an excellent initiative for encouraging people to get out of their cars and onto their bikes.

“The scheme offers some great incentives for cycling plus there is the added bonus of avoiding driving on busy town centre roads and finding parking.”

Anyone can enter for free and there is also a promotional offer with a prize draw entry to win £100 Oracle vouchers for every ReadyBike journey.

The app automatically tracks cycling and awards points for every journey of one mile or more.

People who do not own a bicycle can still take part by using the ReadyBike cycle-hire scheme, which has docking stations throughout the town.

Visit bikesmartreading.betterpoints.uk to download the app.