Cycling is a fun sporting activity for people of all ages, but in many regions of the world cycling is also used as one of the main modes of transport.
People often cycle to work if they live in the city and need to get from their home to their workplace. This can be seen especially in London, where the number of miles cycled in the last 20 years has increased by more than 50{9b4a2c8832b2482ca7eb937f6bfa363e1f3f7cb05e1b42927da41c9eadde8c32}.[1] Cycling in Great Britain as a whole has also increased by over a third in that same period of time.[2] It is clear that over time, cycling has become much more popular as a mode of transport. One way to explain this may be that more and more people have chosen to take up cycling as a way of commuting to work.
In 2013, the first annual Cycle to Work Day was held. The event is a way to get as many people as possible to cycle to work for one day and is being held on the 13th of September this year. Below are just a few of the benefits to cycling to work:
- Improves mental well-being
Cycling can improve mental well-being and can make you feel less stressed. Cycling Weekly reports that cycling can improve a person’s mood and can contribute to the well-being of a person.[3] This is due to the natural release of adrenaline and endorphin’s which goes hand in hand with exercise. By cycling to work, you can start your day happy and this can hopefully set you up with a good mood for the remainder of the day.
- Time efficient
Say goodbye to a morning filled with nothing but waiting. Waiting in traffic. Waiting for your bus to come. The commuting cyclist has none of this to worry about while on their way to work on a morning. Meaning that they can spend their morning doing what matters… cycling.
- Sleep better
Commuting by cycle may tire you out in the short term, but in the long term it can assist your sleep and reduce the risk of sleeping problems. Researchers at the University of Georgia conducted a study which concluded that even the smallest reduction in fitness levels can result in sleeping problems.[4] Sleeping better at night means that you will feel more relaxed and refreshed in the morning meaning that you will be ready and alert for your working day.
- A boost in brain power
As already mentioned above, cycling can improve your mental well-being. It can also improve brain functionality too. Cycling and other forms of vigorous exercise can increase blood flow to the brain by almost 28{9b4a2c8832b2482ca7eb937f6bfa363e1f3f7cb05e1b42927da41c9eadde8c32}.[5] This helps to maintain the general health of the brain and could also aid the health of brain tissue which in turn could reduce the risk of a number of degenerative diseases.[6]
- Strengthens immune system
It’s well documented that moderate exercise confers health benefits on the immune system. Strenuous cycle training in order to improve competitive endurance performance may negatively affect the immune system temporarily, as the body produces more stress hormones. However, cycling as part of a morning commute isn’t strenuous and so would only serve to boost the immune system, leaving your body less vulnerable to illness. In turn, this means you would be taking less sick leave, and would only serve to make your employer happier!
- Saves money
People spend a lot of money on travelling to work, on average people who commute to work by car spend £3,727 per annum.[7] This usually consists of petrol and other running costs, such as MOT, servicing, tyres and repairs. Those who commute by public transport spend a cumulative average of £2,793.[8] This consists of bus fare, train fare, ferry tickets and any other running costs. In comparison to these, cycling commuters spend an average of £396 a year, including the cost of the bike and any maintenance it may need.[9] It is clear to see that cyclist pay a lot less getting to work every year than the other types of road user.
- Environmentally friendly
It goes without saying that cycling is more environmentally friendly than any mode of transport reliant on petrol or diesel. The only fuel the cyclist needs is body fuel.
Here at Cycle SOS, we heavily encourage cycling to work, both as a form of exercise and transport. However, we also understand that accidents can happen while cycling to work. If this is the case, then Cycle SOS are here to help. Our highly trained team of specialist personal injury lawyers is made up of cyclists and cycle enthusiasts. We find that this is one of the factors that makes us stand out from the crowd. We have won millions of pounds for cyclists all over the country, and we use all that experience to help cyclists get the compensation they deserve.
For more information about our services or to start your claim, call 0808 100 9995 and speak to one of our specialist solicitors. We’re here to help. You can email us or schedule a callback.
[1] Department for Transport, ‘Pedal cycle traffic (vehicle kilometres) by region and country in Great Britain, annual from 1993’ (Table TRA0413, published April 2017) <https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/tra04-pedal-cycle-traffic>
[2] Department for Transport, ‘Pedal cycle traffic (vehicle kilometres) by region and country in Great Britain, annual from 1993’ (Table TRA0413, published April 2017) <https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/tra04-pedal-cycle-traffic>
[3] Cycling Weekly, ‘It’s official: cycling makes you happier’ (Published 9th January 2017) <http://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/latest-news/its-official-cycling-makes-you-happier-305862>
[4] Prevention, ‘#1 Sleep Mistake You’re Making’ (Published 12th May 2015) <https://www.prevention.com/fitness/sleep-mistake-youre-making?_ga=2.224493202.983511072.1496754194-2074595960.1496754194>
[5] Cycling Weekly, ‘Cycling can improve brain health’ (Published 19th February 2014) <http://www.cyclingweekly.com/fitness/cycling-brain-health-115401>
[6] Cycling Weekly, ‘Cycling can improve brain health’ (Published 19th February 2014) <http://www.cyclingweekly.com/fitness/cycling-brain-health-115401>
[7] Cycle Scheme, Cost of Commuting Infographic (Published 6th March 2017) <https://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/employers/employer-updates/the-benefits-of-cycling-to-work>
[8] Cycle Scheme, Cost of Commuting Infographic (Published 6th March 2017) <https://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/employers/employer-updates/the-benefits-of-cycling-to-work>
[9] Cycle Scheme, Cost of Commuting Infographic (Published 6th March 2017) <https://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/employers/employer-updates/the-benefits-of-cycling-to-work>
