CYCLISTS are being asked to get pedalling to boost their favourite charities.

Three new bike routes have been specially designed for this year’s Examiner Charity Challenge to mark the event’s switch to Lepton Highlanders Sports and Social Club.

It will be the first year the huge fundraiser has been held at the new site, off Wakefield Road at Lepton.

All entrants – apart from the wheelchair and buggy push in Beaumont Park – will start there.

Scores of community groups, pre-schools and local charities have been lining up to register for the 23rd challenge – which has raised more than £750,000 over the years.

Now the call has gone out to encourage more cyclists to saddle up after numbers have proved lower than in previous years.

John Radford, chairman of Huddersfield and District Cyclists’ Touring Club, has been organising the routes.

“All the routes are very scenic,” he said. “There will be plenty to look at and it will certainly be easy.

“Every rider gets a sheet that takes them around and there are arrows and signs at every junction. It is very easy to follow. People don’t have to worry about anything.

“They will just be able to ride and chat. It will be fun.”

Cyclists will be able to decide between a 17-mile road bike, an 18.5-mile mountain bike or a seven-mile family road bike.

John added: “The three routes are hopefully going to cover what most people want.

“The majority of the mountain bike route is off-road and involves paths and tracks.

“The family route is short and we have also utilised footpaths to keep families safe from busy roads.

“They are purely nice rides around the area, taking in the countryside.”

Walkers can also choose to take part in one of four routes – a three, seven, 12.4 mile or a three-mile guided Nordic walk with poles provided by Kirklees Council.

In Beaumont Park there will be a one-mile wheelchair and buggy route.

And for horse lovers there will be a 12-mile ride.

People can choose which cause to raise money for with the Lions and the Examiner sorting out all the administration.

This year the aim is to help smaller charities and good causes which is why we are eager for groups like junior sports clubs, cubs, guides, brownies, scouts, community groups and schools to sign up.

The event is organised by Lions clubs across Huddersfield and the Examiner.

To enter, simply download an entry here.

People can email the completed form to us or print it out and post it, including a stamped addressed envelope.