Visitor attractions and businesses in the South Downs National Park are being encouraged to apply for free bike stands.

The park authority wants people to "leave their cars behind" and cycle around the area instead.

To encourage this, it is now offering to supply visitor attractions, parish councils and small businesses including country pubs and cafes with up to six free stands for people to store their bikes.

The stands are worth over £500.

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To apply, the applicant must be a landowner or have permission from the owner of the land the stand will be installed on.

More information can be found at https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/national-park-authority/our-communities/free-cycle-parking-in-the-south-downs-scheme/.

A spokesman for the park authority said: "Good quality visible cycle parking at attractions and at refreshment stops in towns and villages encourages cycling and can bring many benefits.

"Cyclists are good for the local economy and community.  Bikes are quiet, clean and green and take up less space than cars. Cycling is a great way to see new places, have fun and stay healthy too."