Cycling is a fantastic form of exercise, it is a greener mode of transport and is cost-effective. However, for many, the prospect of getting back onto a bike after many years is daunting. But it need not be. There are many benefits to cycling, not only for yourself but for the people around you.
If you’re thinking about cycling to work, have started to cycle to work, or aren’t sure whether it’s for you, there are a number of reasons and benefits to incorporating cycling into your life.
A great form of exercise
Cycling is a great way to exercise, as it’s a low-impact form of exercise, and is easy to pick up. Whether you’re looking to cycle to lose weight, improve your cardiovascular endurance, or simply because you enjoy it. It’s also a great way for busy people to fit exercise into their daily routine, as you are exercising whilst on your commute.
Reduce your carbon footprint
If you consider the fuel types, average commute distance, average road usage of the driver, and average emissions from a product, driving a car emits approximately 270g of CO2 per km. Whilst it does take food to power a human, which powers a bike, the CO2 emissions involved with riding your bike is around 10 times less than a car.
Cycling can be great for mental health
There is strong evidence that cycling is a great way to relieve stress, and provides you with some time to clear the mind. Whilst exercise is known to be great for mental wellbeing and health, cycling combines this with the ability to get outside into fresh air.
Save money
The costs involved in buying, running, and maintaining a bike are considerably lower than that of a car. You can save yourself money on your commute. Plus, you can use your bike on the weekends and with the family to get out into nature. You could even get rid of your car or a 2nd car. Meaning massive savings on maintenance, tax, MOTs, insurance, and fuel.
Reduce congestion
As bikes are smaller than cars, swapping a car for a bike means you won’t have to sit in traffic anymore. Plus, an increasing number of bikes on the road means a decrease in the number of cars on the road.
Increased productivity at work
It is well known that exercise increases mood and mental and physical health. This will result in a better outlook and mindset at work and mean high levels of productivity.
Cycling schemes
There are a number of cycling schemes in place which benefit both the employee and the employer. These are designed to get employees cycling, with substantial financial savings on bikes and accessories. Plus employers can improve the mental & physical health of employees, as well as benefiting financially.
Cycle Scheme
4th August 2022 is the 10th Birthday of the Cycle Scheme. The cycle scheme community is celebrating the success of the scheme, and how commuters have got involved, improved their health, and saved money. This year they are giving away some amazing prizes to encourage people to get involved. The scheme is a great way of spreading the cost of a bike via your monthly salary deductions. It also means you’ll save between 26-40% of the cost of a new bike and accessories when you buy through the scheme.
Bike2Work Scheme
Bike2Work Scheme is a free employee benefits scheme. Approved by the Government, it was designed to get more people to choose to cycle to work and improve their health. It means employees can save up to 48.25% on a new bike. Again this scheme benefits employers, saving on national insurance contributions, whilst improving productivity and health in the workplace.
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