Benefits of cycling

Keep your mind sharp and your body strong

Cycling is a great way to keep your mind young. Cycling builds new brain cells in the part of your brain responsible for memory – the hippocampus. And according to the British Heart Foundation, around 10,000 fatal heart attacks could be avoided each year if people kept themselves fitter. Cycling just 32km a week reduces your risk of heart disease to less than half that of those who don’t exercise. Cycling is a great non-weight-bearing physical activity to help lose weight. The seat takes most of your weight meaning your joints aren’t bearing the brunt of the force when they aren’t used to it.

Environmental

Eight bicycles can be parked in the same space as one car.
Shifting 10% of journeys from car to bike will reduce air pollution and save 400 productive life years.
Bikes are efficient, too — you travel about three times as fast as walking for the same amount of energy.

Turn that frown upside down

Even if you’re miserable when you saddle up, cranking through the miles will lift your spirits.
“Any mild  to moderate exercise releases natural feel-good endorphins that help counter stress and make you happy,” explains Andrew McCulloch, chief executive of the American Mental Health Foundation. Just three 30-minute sessions a week can be enough to give people the lift they need. Also, A study of 200 people carried out by the University of Bristol found that employees who exercised before work or at lunchtime improved their time and workload management, and it boosted their motivation and their ability to deal with stress.

Cycling isn’t just great for you, it does loads of good for cities too. Take a look at the benefits of being a cycle-friendly city.