Browse Sections
Interactive
Popular Sections
Morning rain; cloudyHealth and beauty
| 
Submit Comments
advertisement
On your bike
Carmel Thomason16/ 6/2008
AS controversy rages over the congestion charge, there has never been a better time to get on your bike.
Carmel Thomason checks out the tips, myths and health benefits.
TOP TIPS FOR WOULD-BE BIKERS...
PICK A ROUTE
You will most likely cycle a different way into work than the way you would drive.
Cyclists can use quieter roads and off road cycle tracks to reduce both time and distance.
The Greater Manchester cycle network maps will help you. This week ten new maps, including this one of Manchester, are being published and are available free from council offices, tourist information centres, libraries and cycle shops.
BE VISIBLE
Make sure your bike is fitted with both front and rear lights. A reflective item of clothing to make you even more visable is also recommended.
SECURITY
You can expect to pay between 10 and 20 per cent of the cost of your bike on a good lock.
CLOTHES
If you're not cycling very far or very fast it isn't always necessary to shower and change when you get to work.
Cycle in your work clothes and leave a change of shoes at work.
Aim to be comfortable, warm and dry. Invest in a quality waterproof, breathable jacket and helmet.
RIDING
Be confident on the bike. Position yourself in the road where you're visible to other road users.
Signal so others can predict your movements. If new to cycling it's best to start on quieter routes.
MAINTENANCE
Make sure that you keep your bike in good repair and find a cycling shop near work in case of emergencies.
BUSTING CYCLING MYTHS...
It's easier and quicker by car
Most car journeys are less than five miles long and could easily be made by bicycle. It is often quicker to travel by bike on short journeys and you can enjoy the fitness benefits at the same time.
I can't afford a bike
Bicycles start at less than £100, although the more you spend the easier it gets. A bike can therefore cost less than a month's petrol/diesel consumption and can soon pay for itself.
Cycling is dangerous
If you are nervous about cycling on our busy roads, there are an increasing network of segregated or motorised vehicle-free cycle routes. There are also quiet country lanes outside main built up areas - why not use these to get your confidence up before taking on busier roads?
Some local authorities may be able to offer cycle training for adults contact your local cycling officer for more details.
As for inhaling vehicle fumes whilst on your bike, tests have shown that you actually are exposed to more if you are seated in a vehicle!
Recent research has shown that cycle safety improves as more cyclists take to the roads - motorists start to expect to see cyclists on the roads and drive with more care.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU...?
There are lots of health advantages in switching to pedal power to get you around.
And using your bike to commute means not only are you saving money on petrol, but you are saving time in terms of not otherwise having to fit some exercise into your hectic day.
Most people will find they can do some level of cycling. The key is to start at a level you are comfortable with and build up from there. If you have any existing health problems speak to your GP about any concerns.
Medical experts now recommend that adults take at least 30 minutes moderate intensity exercise on five or more days a week.
This can be made of shorter bouts of 10-15 minutes making cycling an ideal way to hit the target. In terms of commuter cycling, you can expect to cycle two miles in 15 minutes. If your journey is longer than this you could also think about cycling for part of the way.
Regular cyclists have been found to enjoy a level of fitness equivalent to someone ten years younger. And the added health benefits, such as improved heart health, means that those cycling beyond their mid 30s can add two years to their life expectancy.
Good aerobic exercise, where you get out of breath, will reduce the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes.
Cycling, like any exercise, can also make you feel happier. Moderate exercise has been found to reduce feelings of depression and stress, improve mood and raise self-esteem.
Most recent 2 of 3 user comments
maybe if you work at the top of a hill thats true; i manage to cycle in to work everyday and dont arrive too sweaty, especially if i take my time. A quick change of shirt and i am ready to go, awake and invigorated.
I would recomend most people to give it a go
16/06/2008 at 13:41
Got an opinion you want to share?Are you having to stay at home this summer holiday?
Poll has now ended
| Card | BT Fee |
| Barclaycard Platinum | 2.9% |
| Capital One BT Platinum Card | 3.0% |
| Virgin Credit Card | 2.98% |
| Barclaycard OnePulse | 2.5% |
| Egg Card | 3.0% |
| Company | Typical APR |
| Platinum Loans | 7.5% |
| Barclays | 7.9% |
| Moneyback Bank | 8.4% |
| Alliance & Leicester | 8.7% |
| Halifax (Semi-exclusive) | 8.8% |
| Bank of Scotland (Semi-exclusive) | 8.8% |
| Provider | AER* |
|
ICICI BANK HiSAVE Fixed Rate Account |
7.20% |
|
ICICI BANK HiSAVE Fixed Rate Account |
7.00% |
|
ICICI BANK HiSAVE Fixed Rate Account |
7.00% |
|
ARRAY(0x2b737bec0b00) 6 Month Fixed Rate Savings Account |
6.60% |
Trafford are completely useless and the roads are in such a bad state of repair, every journey is a total bone shaker.
If we had proper cycle routes, there would be no need to stealth tax people with the congestion charge.
16/06/2008 at 19:26