3 good reasons to cycle to work - By: Rodney J Smith

We love our cars. We use them to go to work, to go on holiday, to pick up supplies from the supermarket, even to go to the gym! How many of these journeys are really necessary? And of those, is it possible that we might use alternative means for some of them? I say yes!

Economic benefits
As we go through the worst economic recession since the 1930's, most people are looking for ways to cut back. Cycling to work, if you live within about ten miles of your workplace, is one good way to do that. Think about how much commuting to the office by car on a daily basis costs you: you pay for petrol, maintenance of your vehicle, and probably have to fork out to park as well if you work in the city. Cycling, on the other hand is practically free - and any costs you do incur such as purchasing a bike and suitable cycle clothing will be offset in no time by the savings you'll make.

Environmental benefits
Most scientists agree that global warming is a reality and that we'd better do something about it pretty darn fast if we (and more significantly, our children and grandchildren) are to avoid the effects of irreversible climate change. Cars are listed as a major contributor to carbon emissions, and account for a large percentage of the average person's carbon footprint, so cutting down on their use is the most obvious way each one of us can do our bit for the environment.

Even if you're not convinced by the global warming argument, it's an indisputable fact that we are burning through the earth's supplies of oil and gas at an unsustainable rate. There is a lot of talk about alternative energy sources to reduce our dependence on oil; let's not forget that each of us has our own Integrated Personal Energy Source - it's called The Body.

Health benefits
Speaking of the body, cycling holds tremendous health benefits. Did you pick up on the irony of my earlier statement about us using our cars to get to the gym? Why pay to go somewhere where you have to pay to exercise if you can travel and exercise simultaneously for free? Cycling is a low impact form of aerobic exercise which is good for losing weight and toning the muscles, reducing blood pressure, improving cardiovascular fitness, reducing stress and contributing to an overall sense of wellbeing. Oh, and it's fun. What's not to like?

So let's all swap our car keys for bike helmets this year and start reaping the benefits.

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