Environment - Why You Should Get on that Bike and RIDE

It’s cheap transport, it’s environmentally friendly, and it’s far quicker than walking. It’s also one of the best ways to get fit (and stay fit) and makes a viable and fun means of transport for the short local trips that make up most of our journeys. If you don’t already own a bike – or worse, if you DO own one but it’s gathering dust in the back of the shed – then please read on…

Cycling instead of using the car has got to be one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to reduce the dreaded ‘carbon footprint’ AND simultaneously enjoy the added benefits of valuable regular exercise.

How many times have you overtaken a cyclist whilst driving only to see them sail past you when you’re stuck in the traffic jam at the lights further down the road? How many times have you driven round the block 2 or 3 times waiting for a parking space at the local parade of shops, knowing full well you could have done the whole trip in half the time on 2 wheels?

What’s stopping you? In real terms, bikes are cheaper – and better – today than they have ever been at any time in history since they were first invented. It’s easy to buy a full-size adult bike for less than £100 and if you don’t mind buying secondhand, there are some amazing bargains to be found. Bizarre as it may be, bike prices have changed little since the 1970s and yet the standard of equipment that comes as standard has increased steadily over the years. Full suspension, disc brakes, alloy frames, plus any combination of gears you could wish for – all available for minimal outlay.

If you’ve got a young family to transport around, cycling makes a healthy and convenient alternative to loading up the 4x4 for the short run to school – where you get stuck in that traffic jam every day, remember? There’s no excuse not to bike it instead: there are buddy seats and trailers available that enable you to transport the little ones in perfect safety and guess what? They enjoy it a lot more than being cooped up in the back of the car.

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[ Why You Should Get on that Bike and RIDE ]