Go cycling
Did you know that 27 million people own bikes but most of them don’t use them? Are you one of them? Know someone that possibly might be? If you’re looking for a little extra insight or inspiration into the world of cycling, or would like to give it a go for the first time, take a glance, the opportunities are endless…
Get the Benefits
Picture this, middle of a hot English summer, late out of the office, back to back traffic, not moving. And off we go, jump on your bike and you are out of there! Whizzing pass the traffic, nice breeze in your face, heart racing, you will be home in time for that favourite TV show of yours and can relax in the thought you have done your bit for the day.
Okay, so realistically it’s not always that easy. But over 70% of car journeys are under 5 miles and only 1-2% of miles travelled by mechanical transport are by bike. If we all jumped on those redundant bikes a little more often the rewards to our pockets and waist lines would inevitably start to add up. Whether that means cycling home from work or going on a family bike ride, either way, you can be secure within the fact that the following benefits will be coming your way:
Your body
- Regular cyclists enjoy a fitness level equal to that of a person ten years younger
- Cycling is a low impact activity and easy on the joints
- Cycling is an efficient aerobic activity, and can be carried out at a 'moderate' level - as recommended by the Chief Medical Officer
- National heart disease rates would fall between 5% and 10% if one third of all short car journeys were made by bike
- Beginners can cycle at a moderate level enabling them to maintain the exercise for longer time periods in comparison to more intense aerobic exercise
- Leisurely cycling can burn calories at the same rate as brisk walking
- Cycling can easily be incorporated into everyday routines without having to find time for the gym or for deliberate exercise.
- Cycling at least twenty miles a week reduces the risk of heart disease to less than half that for non-cyclists who take no other exercise (Source: British Heart Foundation, Morris)
Your time
- Fitting cycling into day-to-day routines will mean no time will have to be put by for deliberate exercise.
- During rush hour a bike can be twice as fast as a car
Your money
- Bicycles require no road tax, no MOT, no insurance, no licensing, no breakdown recovery services, and above all no fuel bills (unless you count confectionery bars!).
- A good bicycle needs at most about £50-worth of maintenance a year - less if you do a bit yourself. How much does your car need?
- A good bicycle will last for years, if not decades. How long did your previous car last?
- A bicycle can be parked just about anywhere, so no more expensive car park bills.
Your world
- Bikes cause no pollution
- Twenty bicycles can be parked in the same space taken up by one car.
- Bikes make little noise (although the person on it may!)
- To make a bicycle requires only a fraction of the materials and energy needed to make a car.
- Cars kill and maim thousands of people every year - bicycles don’t.
Your children
- Cycling gives children independence. It allows then the freedom to travel whilst gaining the benefits of healthy exercise and fresh air at the same time.
Get Safe
Before you get going make sure that you and your bike are safe. You will need a cycle helmet, bicycle lighting and reflective clothing for cycling at night and security to keep your bike safe. Check out www.cycleweb.co.uk/cntys/cnty-lsts/sth-ha.htm for a list of cycle shops in Hampshire in order to ask for advice on protective equipment.
Get Going
Right, step one, we’ve got the bike, step two, we’ve got the equipment, step three, what to do next? The obvious answer to the simple question would be to get on it and ride, but thinking ahead of time I can anticipate a few more dilemmas creeping in… Where shall I go? How long will it take? Is it safe to go that way? Who can I cycle with? What if I don’t like cycling on the road?
Route Finders
The websites below will enable you to find cycling routes and information in your local area:
Bike Week 2008
Did know that every year there is a national bike week? In 2008 it will take place 14th – 22nd June incorporating a number of cycling events for all to take part in. Go to www.bikeweek.org.uk for more information.
Everyday Cycling
Check out www.everydaycycling.com. An initiative run by the British Cycling Association Every Day Cycling is your one stop shop for everything leisure cycling. By logging on you will be bombarded by tools which you can use to keep the fun and pace in your routine. Whether you cycle for leisure, as a family, or up and down mountains (not for the faint hearted), the wide selection of routes and rides, cycling events and the tracking and recording of your rides will be catered to your needs. If you are looking for some inspiration this is definitely a website to sneak a glance at.
Cycling with Children
Having to leave the little ones behind on the family bike ride has now become a thing of the past. There are a number of different seats available which mean everyone can enjoy the fun.
- Baby Seats (6 months to 5 years approx, 1 passenger): Fixed to an adults bike, allows you to take your child with you on even the longest of journeys.
- "Tag-Along" or "Trailer Bikes" (4 to 9 years approx, 1 or 2 passengers): A "half bike" which attaches to an adults bike allowing a child to be towed. They can pedal whenever they want to help out, or freewheel and enjoy the ride!
- Trailers (Birth to 5years approx, 1 or 2 passengers): Trailers make great kiddie taxis! Whether you be out riding for leisure or doing the school run, there's space for up to 2 kids in the back, protected from the elements and carried in comfort.
- Towbars (4 to 8 years approx, 1 passenger): Like a Tag-Along, but in some respects with a few advantages
Disability Cycling
Cycling is an all-inclusive sport with many opportunities available for those with physical disabilities or special needs. For further information go to www.velovision.co.uk where an 8-page article is available for download.
Calshot Velodrome
For a fantastic new experience take yourself along to Calshot Velodrome. The only banked Velodrome in the South of England Calshot is open for all ages, novice to expert. As long as you can ride a bike you can participate in one of the five stages of progression up to ‘Race ready track rider’. No better way to feel like an Olympian than riding in an international standard stadium. For more information go to: www.hants.gov.uk/calshot/cycle.html
Indoor cycling
Not everyone is happy or comfortable cycling outside, and let’s face it the English weather isn’t always up to it. But have no fear, a number of leisure centres now hold indoor cycling classes. The classes normally last between 30 and 60 minutes and include a number of different exercises including sprints, jumps and climbs. However, classes for different abilities are normally available and the variation between centres can be massive. Ask at your local leisure centre for more information.
Find a cycling club near you at: www.sporthampshireiow.co.uk/findacluborfacility
Get the Knowledge
Now, time to get ourselves updated on some different types of cycling:
BMX
Races take place on sandy and hilly tracks, normally 300 to 400m long over which riders have to tackle a series of jumps and banked turns. The small frame size allows extra control and acceleration. Stunts can be carried out on flats, ramps and obstacles.
Speedway
Races take place on a small course with laps being not much more than 80m each. Riders complete about 4 laps racing against 3 other people. There are about 20 races in all, the winner being the rider who wins the most races. Physical contact is a major part of the event and often vital for success.
Cyclo cross
A winter sport with a little rougher conditions, this event takes place on grass, mud, ice and other man-made obstacles. Races can last up to an hour and include a lot of mounting, dismounting and running with the bike. Many riders compete for the fun and exhilaration with the matter of winning or losing being irrelevant.
Mountain bike
In the first of the 3 mountain bike disciplines, down hill, it is a race to see which rider can make it down the hill navigating through jumps, bends and drop-offs the quickest. The second, cross country mountain biking is a longer race often 1-3 mile laps where riders encounter inclines, declines and difficult terrain. The third discipline, four cross, sees four cyclists racing to win over a number of short laps entertaining obstacles along the way.
Top of page
Get the Top Tips
Get a bike that is the right size for you, it can make all the difference. Go to www.cycleweb.co.uk/cntys/cnty-lsts/sth-ha.htm for a list of cycle shops in Hampshire.
- Get yourself a seat cushion or padded shorts for long journeys/if you are going to be cycling frequently to make the experience more comfortable.
- Make sure you bring water with you when cycling and keep hydrated
- Have a puncture repair kit to hand and know how to use it. Ask at a local cycling shop for help and advice.