Why Cycle?
The best reason to go cycling is simply that it’s lots of fun, at any age. Cue video…
More prosaic reasons for cycling are that it helps us to be happier, healthier and greener.
Happier
Cycling can lower the levels of the body’s stress hormone, cortisol, and releases the “feel-good” hormones known as endorphins, which help to relax your mind and make you feel happier. Research published in the BMJ shows that those who cycle regularly have a significantly lower risk of feeling stressed.
Healthier
According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), one in four adults and one in every five children are classified as obese. The obesity crisis is believed to cost the UK £7.4 billion each year. Regular cycling can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke by improving your body’s circulation and lowering blood pressure. Cycling will also help boost your metabolism, which aids in long-term weight management.
Greener
Unlike a car, a bike does not require any fossil fuel (though it may increase your appetite and help you lose weight. If you have a car, using a bike for short trips reduces wear and tear on the car, as well as saving on fuel costs. More commuters or shops on bikes means fewer cars stuck in traffic jams and lower air pollution.
Which country has the lowest rate of cycling fatalities? It also happens to be the one with the lowest rate of helmet-wearing cyclists, and one that is often listed in the top five happiest nations in the world. What could we learn from this country that could be applied in Britain?