Why Cycle?
People cycle for a whole range of reasons – some can’t or don’t drive, some want to save the planet, some want to save money, others do it simply because it’s fun…
Whatever your reason(s) might be we we hope to encourage you to cycle – and to cycle more. Throughout this site you’ll find many reasons why we – and many others – think cycling is a great thing to do. Below is a summary of some of the many benefits:
It’s convenient and efficient
Cycling takes you door to door – often via the most direct route. Cycling offers the freedom to go where you want, when you want without worrying about parking spaces, roadworks, traffic jams or missing the bus.
Fast, direct and convenient, for many journeys cycling is the best way to get around.
It’s good for you
Most people will tell you that physical activity makes them feel invigorated and raring to go. Being outside in the fresh air, with friends or alone, whether walking or cycling can have a positive effect on mental health and stress levels.
Regular physical activity is regarded as essential to a healthy lifestyle and is linked to a wide array of physical and mental benefits including:
- Reduced risk of / protection against Coronary Heart Disease (CHD); high blood pressure; cancer (in particular colon cancer) and diabetes;
- Stronger bones and increased muscle strength
- Better balance, suppleness and mobility
- Improved sleep
- Better maintenance of a healthy weight and reduced risk of obesity
*find out more about the benefits to your health
It’s easy to fit into your lifestyle
Activity levels are declining due to changes in the way we work, travel, shop and spend our leisure time. Nowadays people tend to use their cars for many journeys when in the past, they would have walked or cycled. This has contributed to reduced activity as well as increase traffic and congestion.
Sometimes the problem with exercise is finding the time to do it – therefore it makes sense to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. Exchanging the car for the bike on a regular journey such as the journey to work or school is an easy way of getting regular exercise without having to change your routine too much.
read about local people who cycle to work
It’s low cost
Cycling is a fairly low cost mode of transport. Try swapping one for the car for a week and see how much money you save on petrol, parking fees etc. Some organisations offercycle mileagefor business travel – which can reduce the need to drive to work.
According to a 2005 survey by Sainsbury’s Bank the average cost of running a car for a year rose to £2,202 from £2,053 last year. Rising fuel costs were behind the bulk of the increase, climbing 11% compared with 2005 to £1,226, driven by record crude oil prices. Other costs drivers faced included £462 for insurance, £273 for servicing, £116 for tax and £44 for MOT.
Visit the following sites to find out more about how your mode of travel affects your pocket:
It’s good for everyone
More cycling doesn’t just lead to greater health benefits for the individual but also for the population at large because of the resulting reductions in vehicle emissions, traffic, danger and noise.
More cycling can help to improve our public spaces and communities by increasing social interaction, helping to provide pleasant public spaces and supporting local facilities.