Cycling is good for you

Cycling is the perfect way to accumulate the recommended 1 hour of moderate physical activity a day for children and 30 minutes for adults. 

Why cycle?
By using your bike for leisure or as a form of transport you can gain an array of associated health benefits.  According to the British Medical Association cycling at least 20 miles a week halves the risk of a heart attack (British Heart Foundation, Morris).  Cycling also reduces the risk later in life of other cardio vascular disorders, obesity, diabetes and some types of cancer.

Cycling as a form of exercise also has benefits in terms of improving mental health and well-being and can sometimes be the only opportunity people have in their working day to enjoy being outdoors in the fresh air and sunlight.  Unlike other forms of transport, cycling allows enjoyment of the outdoors from a different perspective.  Senses such as sight, smell, sound and touch are more acute when cycling as opposed to being a passenger in a car or public transport.  Every time you exercise, especially outdoors, you boost your immune system, helping you to fight off illness. 

At the peak school travel time nearly 1 in 5 cars on urban roads are taking children to school, often in heavy traffic jams.  Research has shown that those commuting in vehicles breathe in 25% more pollution than those cycling.  Additionally, a study from the ETA (Environmental Travel Association, 1997) has shown that passengers in slow moving traffic are face levels of pollution 2-3 times higher than pedestrians and cyclists. This can cause headaches, eye pain, asthma and respiratory complaints.

The ‘Safe Routes to Schools’ initiative run by Sustrans aims to combine practical and educational measures to give children more travel options and help them develop good travel habits for the future. 

Along with local authorities and Road Safety Units, Cycling Scotland aim to ensure that all school children have access to quality cycle training enabling them to travel in a fun, active and safe way. 

Active travel means you are investing not only in your own health and well-being but also making Scotland a better place to live.

Finding out more:
There are many websites that give great advice about cycling. Cycling Scotland would recommend the following.

Healthy Living – Active Commuting 

Sustrans – Plan your route online with the National Cycle Network and Safe Routes to Schools

Sustrans ‘Facts and Figures’ – Physical Activity and Health 

The Scottish Executive’s travel awareness campaign

Department for Transport – Sustainable Transport

Bike for all

Environmental Travel Association