Cycle To Work Day 2018
13 August 2018
It’s not too late to take part in Cycle to Work Day this year (Wednesday 15th August 2018). There’s still time to dust off your bike and get some exercise on your way to work! Your employer may already be taking part, laying on an enticing breakfast for those workers who arrive on two wheels or organising ‘ride ins’ where co-workers can cycle together into work.
Even if you’ve missed this year’s event, every day of the year can be Cycle to Work Day! All you need is a roadworthy bike, cycle helmet, suitable clothing and footwear, and bike lights. It’s that easy to use your daily commute to get fit and even cut down your commute time.
Read on to explore the benefits of cycling to work.
5 Good Reasons to Cycle to Work
1. Increase your physical fitness
Cycling to work is good for you. The NHS recommends 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise a week which is easy when you trade in cars, buses, trains and tubes for two wheels. You can cycle at your own comfortable pace, but if you want to burn more calories and fat you can increase your pace and have a proper workout on your way to work. In fact it’s better for you than running as it increases your metabolic rate and is kinder on your knees and joints.
2. It releases endorphins
What better way to start the day than to do something that makes you feel good? As we all know, physical exercise increase endorphin levels, which helps us deal with stress and makes us happier. This can have a really positive impact in the workplace when you arrive to work feeling relaxed and happy, even if you’re a little bit sweaty!
3. Can reduce your commute time
Many people find it’s much quicker to commute to work on their bike than negotiate public transport or sit in traffic jams. Cyclists have an advantage as they can ride past stationary traffic, use cycle lanes and bridleways, and often take short cuts such as through parks, underpasses etc. While cycling to work is not entirely stress-free – other road users can be a cause of stress – the frustrations of overcrowded trains, late buses and non-moving traffic can be avoided.
4. Cycling is often cheaper too
Research by the TUC calculates that UK commuters spend 13.39% of their wages on their season ticket, which is over £3,500 per year based on the UK average salary of £27,271. A car costs a similar amount of money to run a year, whereas you’ll find it difficult to spend that kind of money on a bike – unless you’re a pro-cyclist! If your employer offers a Cycle to Work scheme you can save more money through salary sacrifice. Bike maintenance costs are also just a fraction of what you might spend on maintaining a car.
5. Good for the planet
Cycling to work is not only good for you physically, mentally and financially; it’s also good for the planet. It’s a low carbon form of transport and reduces your overall carbon footprint. Cars on congested roads can produce three times the amount of CO2 as a car moving at a steady speed. So if driving to work involves lots of hanging around in traffic, cycling will not only get you to work quicker but will also have less impact on the planet.
We would love to hear your experience of cycling to work. If you have tips you can share with other readers or would like to tell us about your daily commute, please leave a message on our Facebook page.