Anyone who has decided to swap the car for a bicycle has a wide range of styles of bicycle available now, including mountain bikes, racing bikes, BMX, touring, folding and even electric bikes. Wherever they live, whether they are novices or experienced pedallers, there is a vehicle to suit any cyclist.
Bicycle safety
Bicycle safety is also vital. It is not currently compulsory under UK law to wear a helmet but a number of organisations, including the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, believe they should be. In many cases, helmets can prevent serious head injury.
Helmets come in a range of eye-catching colours and designs but it is important to ensure it is fitted and worn correctly and complies with British standard BS6863.
High-visibility safety clothes and reflective accessories, such as jackets, armbands and belts, are also important, especially for those riding after dusk.
And the law requires people cycling after dusk to have lights fitted.
The variety of scenery and terrain in the UK makes it a great place to go cycling. The National Cycle Network, created by cycling charity Sustrans, runs within two miles of 75 per cent of the UK’s population. The national cyclist’s organisation, CTC, also has a variety of cycling routes suitable for all ages and levels of fitness.
Many people find the best way to go cycling is with their families. The CTC says riding with children, from the earliest possible age, is the best way to introduce them to cycling. Babies and toddlers can sit on a specially fitted seat on an adult bicycle, while there is a wide range of bikes available for older children.
There are also more than 200 CTC cycling clubs across the UK, run by volunteers who organise rides to suit people of all abilities.
Health benefits of cycling
The health benefits of getting on your bike are tremendous. It helps people feel better in so many ways – not only does it help people get from A to B faster, but it also has numerous benefits for the body and mind.
Everyday cycling, where the exercise gets the heart going without leaving people out of breath, is effective and fun and is the type of exercise that does the most to promote good health. It cuts the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity and the most common form of diabetes.
In fact, it is estimated that even those who are new to cycling can reduce their risk of death by as much as 22 per cent.
According to the Department of Transport, even a small amount of cycling can lead to significant gains in fitness. A study found just six weeks of cycling short distances four times a week boosted aerobic fitness by 11 per cent.
Cycling, like all forms of moderate exercise, has been found to reduce levels of depression and stress, improve mood and raise self-esteem.
In older people, the benefits are even more marked. Regular cycling improves muscular strength and co-ordination, reducing the risk of serious injury through falls.
Cycling is a great way to get fit and lose weight. Don't forget, Benenden Healthcare members can access information about weight loss and suitable exercise plans from our GP 24/7 advice line. Membership of Benenden Healthcare costs just £1.50 per person, per week. You can join Benenden Healthcare online today.
For further information about cycling
www.dft.gov.uk/cyclingengland
www.sustrans.org.uk
www.ctc.org.uk
This article first appeared in issue 11 of benhealth, the magazine for Benenden Healthcare members.
