National Bike Week 2020: 5 Reasons Why You Should Get Cycling
05 June 2020
It’s no secret that using a bike to get around is an excellent way to keep fit and improve your wellbeing. As part of National Bike Week, we’re joining in with the celebration to share information about the benefits of cycling.
This year, National Bike Week comes at a time where restrictions are in place on travel due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Some lockdown measures have recently been lifted to allow unlimited exercise, and the government is also encouraging workers to choose alternatives to public transport for their commute. GOV UK have announced that following unprecedented levels of cycling across the UK during the pandemic, pop-up bike lanes with protected space for cycling, wider pavements, safer junctions, and cycle and bus-only corridors will be created in England within weeks as part of a £250 million emergency active travel fund - the first stage of a £2 billion investment, as part of the £5 billion in new funding announced for cycling and buses in February. Find out more here.
With this in mind, now is a great time to get cycling! Here’s why you should consider choosing a bike for your next journey:
1. Cycling can help you reduce your carbon footprint
Cycling is one of the easiest and cheapest ways for you to reduce your carbon footprint. According to Cycling UK, cycling is one of the simplest lifestyle choices that individuals can make to reduce their carbon footprint. It also has benefits for your finances and health and wellbeing.
2. It can help with social distancing
The Covid-19 pandemic has dramatically changed the way we interact with others.
If you’re able to cycle instead of using public transport, now is a key time to do so. If more people choose to cycle or walk as part of their commute, not only will you be more protected but it could also help to reduce the risk for people who do need to use public transport for their journeys.
3. Cycling is a good way to keep fit
If you’re looking for a low-impact way to stay fit, cycling is a good choice, as it can cause less strain compared to other forms of exercise. Cycling can also be a fun way to stay healthy, and is a good alternative to the gym.
Wondering how you’ll fit cycling into your schedule? Working from home doesn’t mean you don’t still have busy lives, with work, childcare and all those lock-down quizzes! But why not try a pre-work cycle first thing or a lunch time loop to get away from your desk?
Cycling is also an amazing way to spend quality time together with family and friends outside of work and school hours. Cycling UK have some great online tools to help you plan your bike ride route and search for new routes in your area.
4. Getting out on your bike can boost your mental wellbeing
Many people find that spending time outdoors is beneficial to their mental health and wellbeing, and cycling is a great opportunity to do so.
Whether your route to work is on or off road, it’s likely to help you clear your mind, boost your mental wellbeing and lead to long term mental health benefits.
5. You can spread the cost of a brand-new bike
What’s great about choosing to cycle to work is that you can spread the cost of a brand-new bike for your commute. If your employer is signed up to the Cycle to Work staff benefit with Vivup, you can enjoy the advantages of a new bike and make savings of up to 37%* in the process. There are a huge range of bikes to choose from, as well as safety accessories, high vis clothing and equipment.
Don’t save cycling just for your commute! If your employer offers the online Bike Shop through Vivup, you can choose from a great selection of bikes for the whole family and with both the Bike staff benefits you can spread the cost through monthly salary reductions with no credit checks.
If you’d like to know more about your Bike staff benefit or would like to browse the online Bike Shop, click here to access your benefits.
You can also find out more about National Bike Week here.
*Savings are realised through a salary sacrifice arrangement. Figures are a guide only and dependent on personal situation.