Cycling - the Green Way to Travel

Cycling along with walking, is another great way of getting from A to B. But when it comes to getting on your bike rather than in your car, many of us choose the less environmentally friendly option rather than cycling our short journeys.
It’s something most of us could fit more of into our lifestyles. Driving a car on unnecessary journeys is bad for the environment but something that nearly half of us have owned up to doing. According to the Energy Saving Trust, 48% of people in the UK use their car for journeys they could have completed in a more sustainable way at least once a week. Cycling is a greener and healthier way of travelling – and the whole family can get involved, too.
On Your Bike
Riding a bike is something that everyone, young and old, can start. All you need to get started, of course, is a sturdy bike. Build up the length of your journeys gradually, starting with a quick cycle to the shops and then slowly increasing the distance as your health and confidence on the road improves.Cycle Lanes
When you’re cycling, be sure you know which parts of the road you can ride on. You’ll notice that more and more areas have designated cycle lanes at the side of the road, which is a safer and easier way to ride. If there isn’t a cycle lane, wear clothes that enable car drivers to see you easily, particularly at night. You should also invest in reflective lights for your bicycle. Alternatively, look out for paths shared by cyclists and pedestrians and be careful when passing by walkers.Helmets
It’s been a controversial issue, but wearing a helmet is essential when riding your bike. Not only that, but you should also ensure that you are wearing a helmet in the correct size, and in the correct way, in order to maximise its protection. A cycle helmet should be close fitting and properly positioned on your head – without it pushing too far back. If in doubt of which size helmet you should be using, you should refer to an expert’s advice in a professional bike shop.The Environmental Benefits
Cycling beats driving each time when it comes to travelling in a clean, green fashion. Other than the initial costs of purchasing a bike and maintaining it, riding a bike is fuel and cost free. One concern is regarding the inhalation of car and bus fumes when cycling. If you are worried about traffic fumes when driving in the city, many cyclists use a mask. However, according to the Department of Transport, cyclists and pedestrians may actually absorb lower levels of pollutants from traffic fumes than car drivers.The Health Benefits
Getting on your bike also helps your health as well as reducing carbon emissions. Riding short journeys instead of driving is a great all-round aerobic workout that works and strengthens your arms, legs and other muscles. As it's an all-round form of exercise, it's also a great fat burner. Riding for 15 minutes to and from work each day, for example, burns off the equivalent of 11 pounds of fat in a year. Not only that, but making cycling a regular part of your weekly exercise:- Reduces the risk of heart disease
- Lowers blood pressure
- Combats obesity
- Combats diabetes
- Improves coordination
- Reduces body fat
- Improves your mood
Walking Benefits
You may be interested to read our feature on The Environment And Health Benefits Of Walking, too.You might also like...
Everything in the article is true. Cycling is very green. But if you’re a driver you already know how dangerous cycling can be as cars are often selfish on the roads. You need to be especially aware as a cyclist and never let your guard down for a second – even a parked car can be a threat you need to consider seriously.
Pete - 10-Oct-12 @ 12:02 PM
Re: Getting Grants From Your Council
My windows are over25 years old single glaze in 68 years old disabled im on benefit s
Re: Getting Grants From Your Council
Hi my windows Nd replace worn away wood and draught coming in I am on universal credit can I get help replacing the windows…
Re: Getting Grants From Your Council
Our double glazing is now over 25 years old and the glazed units are misting up, and letting in draughts so they have lost…
Re: Why We Need to Save Energy
My DAAAAAAAAADDDDD LLLEEEEEFFFFTTTT AGAIN
Re: Why We Need to Save Energy
this the most helpfull thing to become a pro minecraft plaer
Re: Why We Need to Save Energy
so basicly this is awesome and helped me become a visco girl
Re: Getting Grants From Your Council
Im on benefits and my windows are 30 years old just wondering if there was any help i could get
Re: Why We Need to Save Energy
this helped me a lot......not.....just kidding
Re: Getting Grants From Your Council
My mother is 84 and is on pension credit. A few of her windows are single glazed and so is her front door which is very…
Re: Getting Grants From Your Council
Hi I'm on a low income under £800 before deductions a month. A single occupant homeowner with no dependant…