How cycling benefits participants, society and the environment
Whilst cycling has long been a mainstay in countries like the Netherlands, its journey to mass accessibility has taken a meandering course within the United Kingdom.
However, as investment in cycling infrastructure is taken increasingly seriously (as demonstrated by the Active Travel Capability Fund), cycling participation has grown substantially across the nation.
According to data from Statista, the number of cyclists has boomed from just over 5 million people in 2016 to nearly 6.5 million in 2021.
Cycling benefits the health and well-being of participants, the environment and society at large.
As the country seeks to achieve ‘net zero’ status by 2050, cycling must be at the forefront of the country’s transportation strategy.
To demonstrate cycling’s many benefits, here are our top 12 reasons to swap your car keys for some pedals.
Zero-emissions travel
It’s a simple but important point, travelling on your bike doesn’t create carbon emissions.
Every time you take to two wheels instead of hopping in the car, you’re helping to reduce your personal carbon footprint.
Reduce congestion
Every cyclist reduces congestion, cutting journey times and the emissions caused by vehicles sitting idle in traffic.
Improve public health
Cycling is good for the cardiovascular system, meaning It can play an important role in reducing the risk of heart disease, other chronic illnesses such as strokes and their impact on health services.
Enhance air quality
With reduced congestion and emissions comes improved air quality.
As major cities like London work hard to tackle poor air quality, as highlighted by the introduction of ‘Ultra Low Emission Zones’, cycling has a significant role to play in reducing pollutants.
Reduce noise pollution
Say goodbye to road roar and create pleasant, more tranquil urban environments that we can all enjoy.
Increase road safety
Reducing vehicle usage produces a safer space for everyone commuting across the country.
Over 1,600 people were killed on the roads in 2021, with a further 26,701 seriously injured; cycling en masse and investing in cycle lanes can help reduce these numbers.
Conserve natural resources
By cycling instead of driving, you’re reducing fossil fuels usage; each journey helps us control our planet’s limited resources.
Support sustainable tourism
With increases in cycling infrastructure comes the opportunity for visitors to towns and cities to take to two-wheels rather than driving or taxiing to destinations.
Enjoy affordable travel
As costs rise across Britain, cycling offers a viable alternative for drastically reducing fuel expenditure.
Boost biodiversity, create green spaces and promote sustainable urban development
By limiting the space required for transport infrastructure, we can create a better environment for both people and nature – delivering green spaces that benefit everyone.
Improve mental health
Exercise is heavily linked with improved mental well-being and reducing stress and anxiety.
Enhance community connectivity
Being out on your bike increases your ability to communicate with neighbours and build community relationships: something that isn’t so easy when enclosed in a car!
Read more about the benefits of cycling
We hope you’ve enjoyed this quick guide to the wide range of benefits related to cycling.
If you’re considering getting on two-wheels but are unsure where to begin, why not check out our handy guide to starting cycling.
You can discover more about the facts covered in this blog piece below.
https://www.statista.com/statistics/899206/cycling-participation-uk/
https://www.london.gov.uk/node/48677
https://www.brake.org.uk/get-involved/take-action/mybrake/knowledge-centre/uk-road-safety
https://ecf.com/pages/cycling-contributes-to-sustainability
https://www.who.int/sustainable-development/transport/active-transportation/en/
https://sustainabletransportation.org/the-many-benefits-of-bicycling/
https://www.transportation.gov/mission/sustainability/benefits-bicycling
