Get on your bike: Four good reasons you’ll want to take up cycling

It’s time to wipe the cobwebs off your bike and pump up the tyres, as National Bike week (the UK’s biggest mass participation cycling event) is nearly upon us. From June 11-19, thousands of people will be leaving their cars in the garage and pedalling their way through the week.

The aim of the event is to encourage people of all ages and fitness levels to give cycling a go, and experience the many social, environmental and health benefits it offers.

Whether you’re toying with the idea of taking part in Bike Week or hiring a bike for a day of sightseeing, maybe these four reasons will convince you to hop on the saddle this summer.

1. It’s suitable for all fitness levels

No matter how old you are or what shape you’re in, cycling is a great form of exercise. It’s fun, cheap, environmentally friendly, and can be as easy or as challenging as you make it. It’s also low impact, which is good news if you suffer from joint pain.

With more and more cycle paths appearing around the UK, and bikes to suit all budgets, there’s really no reason not to give it a go.

2. Lose weight in the saddle

If you still need convincing, there’s the added benefit of weight loss. Most people that want to lose weight think that running is the best way to do it. While it’s true that running burns fat, it’s not all that kind to your joints. When you’re running, two to three times your weight crashes through your body when your foot strikes the ground. If you weigh 16 stone, that’s a lot of force. But on a bike, as most of your weight is taken by the saddle, your joints don’t take such a battering. Cycling helps you lose weight and get fit without even trying.

Sports psychologists have found that the body’s metabolic rate (the efficiency with which it burns calories and fat) is not only raised during a bike ride, but for several hours afterwards. Therefore, it’s a great option for safe weight loss.

3. The greener option

It’s also great for the environment. Transport is on its way to overtaking industry as the major contributor of CO2 emissions in the UK. Vehicles currently account for 70% of air pollution in UK towns and cities. But cycling produces zero carbon pollution, making it an environmentally friendly form of transport. And more cyclists on the road mean fewer congestion-related emissions.

Bikes are efficient machines too. You can travel around three times as fast as walking, and given that the average speed of rush hour traffic is 7mph and the average cycling speed is 13mph, it’s almost twice as fast to commute by bike.

4. Good for your wallet

As if the above reasons weren’t enough, cycling can also save you precious pounds on your commute. Apart from the initial cost of a bike and the minimal running costs, cycling is free. You don’t have to worry about road tax, MOT, insurance, breakdown cover, or petrol. You can’t say the same for your car. If you’re filling an average sized car with fuel once a week, you’re probably spending around £45 a week. Similarly, if you’re travelling for 30 minutes on a train during peak times, you’re likely to be spending close to £100 a week.

As a guide, a good entry-level bicycle will set you back about £300. Or if you buy one through Cyclescheme, you can save 25% on the price and spread the cost by making monthly payments through your work payslip.
It’s a no-brainer. Not only will you save money on gym membership, your travel costs will shrink down to almost nothing.

Don’t forget your post cycle massage

Long hours in the saddle can leave your muscles riddled with knots. And those sore spots can spread throughout your body if they’re not treated. That’s why so many cyclists swear by massages.

At Castle Thai Spa we offer a range of therapeutic massages to break down knots, and treat sore muscles after a hard day’s cycling. Call us on 0131 357 6453 to book one today.