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A happy cyclist!

Four reasons why cyclists are happier than car drivers

Commuting by bike shows cyclists gain more satisfaction and enjoyment from their cycle to work than those travelling by car or public transport.

For many people forced to work from home during lockdown not having to commute was widely reported as being one of the biggest bonuses of the situation, but if you are cycling to work the journey is a pleasure not a chore.

Cycling is finally at the forefront of political thought and planning as a key tool in tackling congestion, environmental issues and the health of our nation and getting more people to cycle to work is part of that plan. Invariably, when it comes to making behaviour change people are more responsive to factors that have a personal benefit, and what could be more motivating than feeling happier and more in control? Here are the four main reasons, referenced by the Journal of Transport and Health in September 2019, explaining why cyclists are the ‘happiest’ commuters.

 

Cycling puts you in control

Riding a bike puts you in control of your time, you can leave when you want and your arrival time is predictable as traffic queues won’t slow you down. A bike gives you a flexible and reliable way to commute, no more getting stuck in traffic queues or endlessly staring at departure boards waiting for your bus or train to arrive. Knowing there won’t be any hold-ups removes all the stress from your daily journey allowing you to relax and enjoy the ride.

 

Riding a bike gives you time to enjoy the out of doors

Most of us would like more leisure time and one way to win more ‘me’ time is by turning your stressful commute into something more fun. With some research and imagination most people can find a route to work that offers moments of peace and natural beauty, time to prepare yourself for the busy day ahead or unwind on the way home. Look for routes that take you through parks in the city, quiet country lanes or protected cycle paths for the perfect way to set yourself up for a day at work.

 

 

Feel good effects of exercise

Exercise is good for us, we all know that. It is good for our mental and physical health, helps trim the waist line and strengthen our heart and lungs. By getting your exercise on the commute you are saving yourself time, as there is no need to go to the gym or out for a run, when you get home.  In the mornings the wonderful post-exercise surge of energy will help you to be more productive in the office and you will arrive home relaxed and ready to make the most of your free time.

 

 

Social interaction.

A smile and wave is a gift that makes both the recipient and the giver feel happier and being on your bike gives more opportunities for these small social interactions.

A cheery hello to a dog walker, a wave to a cyclist going the other way, or a brief comment of ‘nice bike,’ waiting for the lights to change, spreads the warmth of human connection. It’s hard to be grumpy with a smile on your face and the wind in your hair.

 

When it comes to the governments new plans on cycling, spreading the message that cyclists are happier could help motivate more people to ride and understanding the importance of enjoyment to behaviour change is a key part of planning. Instead of focusing purely on safety, new cycling infrastructure should also enhance the physical, social and psychological pleasures of cycling. Cycling environments that support sociable riding and relaxed engagement with natural landscapes and urban design features will increase everyone’s enjoyment and encourage even more people to get on their bikes.

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.

Written By:

Emily Pheysey

Litigation Executive

Emily has over 7 years of experience in the legal sector, handling road traffic accident claims to recover compensation and support her clients. Her focus is to ensure all clients feel comfortable and at ease with the claims process so that they can focus on their recovery.

Emily considers rapport to be an essential part of the role and strives to always provide excellent client care.

Away from work, Emily enjoys spending time with her family and friends and travelling as much possible.

Diane Holderness

Litigation Executive

Diane is a Ministry of Justice (TOJ) Team Leader within our Cycle Department. She has 11 years’ experience managing road traffic accident claims, and 6 years’ experience managing MOJ claims.

Diane enjoys a challenge and always strives for the very best results for her customers; something that is clear in the way her team continually adapts its strategies in order to secure the most desired outcome. Diane has worked her way through the legal ranks here, and is proud to now have a strong, specialist team that is committed to customer satisfaction.

Diane believes that happy clients make a happy working environment, and it is this that ensures a productive and efficient workforce.

Nina Haddock

Chartered Legal Executive

Nina has over 30 years’ experience in the legal sector. She specialises in recovering compensation for injury claimants as a result of road traffic accidents. Her focus for each and every claim is to help her clients secure the funding that they need to pay for ongoing treatment and support.

Nina became a CILEX Fellow in 2006 and now helps her clients and their families at a time when they have been through a traumatic experience, and everything they hold dear to them appears to be changing.

One case Nina is particularly proud of is supporting a client who had successfully sought asylum in the UK, following a road traffic accident. The claim was successfully pursued through the MIB and the client was left with significant injuries. Her client was able to use the compensation to aid family members with their applications to seek asylum in the UK.

Julian Fox

Cycling Accident Solicitor

Julian qualified as a Solicitor in 2005 and has worked in all areas of personal injury since 2000. Julian has a well-rounded understanding of personal injury law, having represented both claimants and defendants.

Julian always aims for maximum damages to meet his clients’ needs for injury and rehabilitation expenses, and can often secure interim payments to help meet clients’ financial needs. Julian is highly proactive in ensuring cases are progressed, ensuring a timely conclusion.

When not at the office, Julian is a keen cyclist, both on roads and virtually -he will often do an hour of ‘Zwifting’ in the mornings before starting work.

Richard Atherton

Cycling Accident Solicitor

Richard has 12 years of legal experience and qualified as a Solicitor in February 2014. He has been a Team Manager with us since 2019. Throughout his career, Richard has specialised in personal injury, handling an array of Road Traffic Accident cases, in addition to employer and public liability.

Richard prides himself on his very strong strategic and planning skills, which come into their own in complex injury cases where more technical arguments are involved. On every case, he is committed to ensuring that his clients receive full compensation for their injuries.

Away from work, Richard enjoys sport; he is a season ticket holder at St Helens Rugby Club and a Liverpool FC fan. Not only a spectator, Richard also likes going to play golf as often as he can.

Dave Gardner

Litigation Executive

Dave has over 20 years of experience in the legal sector. His specialism is personal injury and he has dealt with hundreds of cycling injury claims during his career. Excellent client care and communication is paramount to Dave. He prides himself on being accessible and available, attending court hearings where damages are in dispute to ensure the best outcome for his clients. One case Dave is particularly proud of is when he supported an elderly client who suffered serious injuries following a road traffic incident. The police had not taken any action against the defendant, so Dave had to be proactive and act within a 24-hour window. The case proceeded and the client was in receipt of £30,000 in damages, which he would not have been entitled to had the client not approached Dave. He is also an avid supporter of Glasgow Rangers and travelled abroad on many occasions to see them play in European competitions.

Gerard Horton

Partner

Gerard is a Senior Solicitor at Cycle SOS. In his 13 years of experience, Gerard has built a national reputation in the catastrophic injury sector, dealing with high value and complex cases. Alongside his legal role, Gerard supports several charities including Headway Central Lancashire, Northwest Regional Spinal Injuries Centre and spinal injury charity, Back Up.

Julia Eyton

Partner

Julia brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Cycle SOS team.

Specialising in representing those who have had life changing injuries, Julia handles some of the most serious and complex personal injury cases both within Cycle SOS and nationally.

She often works on high value claims and is skilled in winning complex liability cases.

NADIA KERR

Partner

Nadia has over 30 years of legal expertise and has represented hundreds of vulnerable road users. With a focus on ensuring timely rehabilitation, speedy repair or replacement of bikes and kit, and securing fair compensation, Nadia is committed to advocating for justice and client rights. Alongside her legal career, Nadia actively participates in national campaigns to benefit vulnerable road users and acts as a Trustee/Director for the national cycling charity, Cycling UK. Nadia was named in Cycling UK’s ‘100 women’ and was a founding member, now running a women’s cycling group, TeamGlow in South Manchester. Among her many achievements, Nadia takes pride in her spot on BBC Breakfast, where she provided expert commentary on long term government funding for pothole repairs.

Caroline Morris

DIRECTOR OF SERIOUS INJURY

Caroline has specialised in personal injury for over 25 years, recovering more than £56 million in damages during that time, to help clients rebuild their lives after injury.

Caroline is committed to achieving rehabilitation options early, meaning her clients benefits from the best care and treatment at the earliest stage possible.