Ok, so the weather is a little grim but spring is on its way, giving us all the more reason to embrace the great outdoors and our bicycle helmet. Still not convinced? We have put together 10 top reasons to get on your bike, whether that be commuting to work or school, or recreationally riding at the weekends.
1. A faster way to travel
Cycling is much quicker than walking, driving in rush hour traffic or taking the longer route via public transport, so see your journey time halved by pedalling to work or school.
2. Increase your immune system
Regular riding has countless health benefits, increased immunity is just one reason to take up cycling. According to a recent study by the University of North Carolina, individuals who bike to work or school regularly take 50% less days off than their less active colleagues or classmates.
3. Reduce your carbon footprint
Bicycles are the most environmentally friendly way to travel and produce zero pollution in comparison to cars and public transport.
4. Boost your memory
The increased blood flow and oxygen to the brain through increased and regular exercise means cycling can also work wonders for your mind as well as your body.
5. Keep it cheap and cheerful
Apart from the initial costs of the bicycle and safety equipment, cycling is much more economical than alternative modes of transport, which means there’s no need for the moaning and groaning we all do when we see the latest prices at the pump.
6. Safe, secure and practical storage
More and more workplaces and public buildings are championing cycling as an excellent way to commute and many invest in the facilities to keep your bicycle secure whilst at work or school. Here at Miko Shelter Solutions, we provide a range of standard and bespoke bike storage options for companies looking to embrace this healthier way to travel.
7. Embrace better health with fewer risks
Cycling on a regular basis can cut your risk of heart disease by up to 50% and reduce the risk of developing other life threatening diseases such as cancer.
8. Sleep well
Cyclists can benefit from a better and more regulated sleeping pattern, which is great for sufferers of insomnia and other sleep disorders who find it difficult to get their full eight hours.
9. Lose weight
If you are looking to shift a few pounds this New Year then getting into the saddle could offer a more interesting and effective route to improved fitness and body shape.
10. Enjoy!
Cycling is an activity that all the family can enjoy and as well as regular riding to work or school, there are a number of routes that you can take to at the weekend and during those hard-earned holidays.
With the rate of bicycle theft almost doubling since the 1990s and more and more people taking to their two wheels to get to work or play, insurers everywhere are offering dedicated policies to protect cyclists from damage or theft. But is it worth insuring your bicycle?
Bicycles are an expensive and essential purchase for many commuters, professional racers and individuals that ride for pleasure, there are a number of flexible policies that provide the cover you need, whatever your cycling activities and with rates as low as just a couple of pounds a month, it pays to be covered whether you are commuting to work, riding to school or taking a bike ride into the countryside during your weekend off.
As well as providing compensation should your bike become stolen or damaged, bicycle insurance policies also provide third-party coverage and whilst this is not compulsory for cyclists in the UK, it is worth taking out if you are in contact with motorists, pedestrians and other cyclists on a daily basis. There are a number of accidents that can happen on that commute to work and coming into contact with other vehicles on busy roads during rush hour is a common occurrence.
If you are in the wrong during one of these incidents then you could be liable for hundreds or even thousands of pounds. It’s not just collisions with cars that can mean a hefty bill for cyclists, claims for medical damages are also common and can run into the millions leaving the responsible party in major debt.
There are a number of cycling organisations that provide third-party coverage for its members and for a small annual fee you can get the insurance you need as well as ultimate peace of mind. When taking out a policy however, you must be sure that you are fully clued up on cycle storage and security. A stolen bike that was left unattended or unsecure by its owner won’t lead to a payout. Get the most competitively priced insurance policy by investing in a high quality lock (preferably a D-lock), never leave your bike unattended and always find secure cycle storage that is well-lit and in a public area.
Cycling in urban and rural areas does have its risks but you can make sure you, your bicycle and fellow cyclists, motorists and pedestrians are covered with a bike insurance policy that suits your cycling needs and your budget.