Why cycling is good for you and the planet

All exercise is beneficial to body and mind – but did you know that it can be good for the environment too? Choosing to walk instead of getting in your car, and cycling to work instead of driving, makes such a difference to your individual carbon footprint and our collective impact on the environment that local councils are encouraging people to leave their cars at home.

But for many people, while they are keen to improve their health and fitness and want to contribute in a positive way to the environment they remain rightly nervous about cycling in traffic and on busy roads.Happily, there are many things that you can do to keep yourself safe on the road.Wearing outdoor jackets in fluorescent colours or technical clothing which has retro-reflective stripes will help drivers see you in their lights in the dark or in poor visibility.

A helmet is not optional it is essential, and you might find yourself pulled over by police if you aren’t wearing one.
Many towns have cycle lanes which avoid roads – if you stick to these you don’t have to worry about traffic and will often find you are often taken along a more scenic and more enjoyable route too.The weather might put a dampener on how you feel about cycling, but choosing waterproof outdoor jackets and technical clothing that keeps you warm and dry will make all the difference.

After a few weeks of regular cycling you will find a steady improvement in your stamina and fitness levels. You might find your legs, bottom and tummy are getting more toned, and you have more energy and sleep better.Some of the interesting things about feeling good from regular exercise is that you are more likely to make healthy choices about what you eat and other aspects of your lifestyle. You might find yourself experimenting with healthy choices at mealtimes and choosing to leave the pub early at night for a morning cycle or jog.The best thing about living a healthier lifestyle is that it’s never too late to make a positive change. So, what are you waiting for? On yer bike!