A CYCLING challenge between Glasgow and Edinburgh will this year be traffic free for the first time.

The 50 mile Pedal for Scotland Classic Challenge route will be shut to all but bikes for the duration of the event on Sunday September 6.

Now in its 17th year, this is the first time the full route will be closed to motorised traffic.

Over 7,000 people on bikes are expected to make the journey from west to east, taking in Glasgow, Linlithgow, Kirkliston and Edinburgh.

Organisers say securing a traffic free route will make the event even safer and more enjoyable for people of all ages and abilities.

Keith Irving, chief executive of event organiser Cycling Scotland said: “Having a traffic free route for the first time creates a safer and even more enjoyable event for 7,000 people.

"There is still space for more people to register and to help raise funds to tackle the impact of child poverty.

“Even with this new traffic free route, participants must still follow the rules of the road and be aware of other traffic around them, especially in those areas where the other carriageway is still open, or where some limited residents’ access and essential bus services are still in place.

“We are grateful for the work councils and police are carrying out to help deliver a great event and for local residents and businesses who deal with the disruption that such a major, successful event can bring.”

Pedal for Scotland brings in £1.1m to the Scottish economy and is a life changing event for many participants.

If you are up for a challenge, there is still time to register. Visit www.pedalforscotland.org for full details.