Cycle to Work Day

Cycle to work day is an important event that everyone can get involved in. Read on to find out more about what it is, the health benefits, government schemes and more!

Do you want to take up the challenge on cycling to work this year? It is a brilliant investment if you are looking to save money from car expenses, get fit or do your part to reduce your carbon footprint. It is an activity everyone should partake in!

WHEN IS IT?

Cycle to work day happens every year, this time it is on Thursday the 6th of August. Don’t worry if you haven’t got yourself on a bike in while, even if it has been a few months or years since your last bike ride.

This day is all about just giving it a go. You could even rent out a bike at Plymouth Bike Hire first to see how you feel or even borrow one of your friend’s bikes before you go out and buy one. Obviously ask for your friends permission first!

CYCLE TO WORK SCHEME

There is also a cycle to work scheme the government has been running which is a government-backed initiative. This means you can save 25-39% on the cost of bikes, e-bikes, cycling accessories, clothing and bicycle components.

As well as these savings, you can also benefit from spreading the cost interest-free (typically over 12 months). This means good news regarding our efforts to reducing our carbon footprint, cycle to work day is something that we should all be considering.

If I told you that riding your bike saves around 270g of Co2 per passenger-kilometre which is what your average car emits, a bicycle is a good investment for our planet and your pockets.

Other benefits aside from the cycle to work scheme include saving a considerable amount of money from annual/monthly vehicle expenses, avoiding traffic jams and health benefits.

HEALTH BENEFITS

It’s safe to say there are plenty more people riding a bicycle in 2020. Following the coronavirus pandemic, more people have put on their helmets and rode across cities and countryside’s now that there are fewer vehicles on the road.

Although, as our lifestyles slowly get back to normal and vehicle levels increase, we shouldn’t let ourselves get discouraged to put on our riding gear and cycle to work as there are numerous health benefits to regular cycling.

Cycling is mainly an aerobic activity, which means your heart, blood vessels and lungs all get a workout. This is great if you are looking to stay fit or get fit.

The health benefits of regular cycling include:

· increased cardiovascular fitness
· increased muscle strength and
flexibility
· improved joint mobility
· decreased stress levels
· improved posture and coordination
· strengthened bones
· decreased body fat levels
· prevention or management of disease
· reduced anxiety and depression.

BRITISH CYCLING

Why not take part in your local cycle routes outside of work and join British Cycling. There are plenty of cycling events in August to get yourself stuck into whether you are a beginner or an intermediate. There are even options to hire a bike too!

Visit www.britishcycling.org.uk to find out more!