Cycle To Work Day is the biggest cycling event in the UK and this year, it is taking place on the 1st of August! According to Statista, there has been growth in the cycling industry in the UK and ”in 2019, UK households purchased approximately 1.56 billion British pounds worth of bicycles”. Whether you are a pro or are starting out in cycling, the perfect opportunity to show off your dedication is here!
In this blog, we will tell you:
- What Cycle To Work Day is and its benefits of cycling
- The different types of bicycles and accessories you can find
- Cycling safety tips
Cycle To Work Day: What Is It And What Are The Benefits Of Cycling?
Cycle To Work Day is a popular cycling event that was launched to, of course, encourage people to cycle to work! The main aim of this event is to positively impact people’s health and the environment, and hopefully have more people take a liking to cycling.
Despite the rising number of bicycle purchases, Brits are still not the biggest fans of cycling. A YouGov survey on the attitudes towards different types of transportation in 12 countries showed that Brits had the most negative views on cycling as a form of transport. Cycling can seem quite challenging and requires a lot of effort but the benefits outweigh the perceived cons. Here is a list of some of the benefits that come with cycling:
- It’s good for your health! When you cycle regularly, you reduce the risk of cardiovascular illnesses, stroke and diabetes, give your immune system a boost, improve the functioning of your lungs, improve cognitive function and mental health, build strength and so much more.
- You interact with fellow cyclers, building a community and making friends. It is also a great family activity.
- Similar to other forms of exercise, cycling helps in reducing and managing stress.
- You reduce your carbon footprint. Cycling is an environmentally-friendly alternative to driving a car and not only reduces pollution but also saves space and reduces noise.
- Cycling saves time. That’s right, you can avoid the extra time taken when waiting for public transport or being stuck in traffic
- With cycling, you can go on more adventures. There are many mountain biking trails around the world that you can explore on two wheels.
Different Types Of Bicycles And Accessories
Just as there are different types of cars out there, there are also different bicycles as well and it can be confusing for beginners. If you are planning to participate in Cycle To Work Day or want to take on cycling as part of your lifestyle but don’t know where to start, do not fret. Below is a brief look at 3 different bicycles you will commonly find.Road Bicycles
This is the most common type of bicycle that you will find. These are made for smooth, fast and efficient cycling on paved roads, so they are perfect for cycling through the city. Depending on the model and design, road bicycles can also be used in races.
Mountain Bicycle
As the name suggests, this bicycle is made to tackle mountain terrain. These are specifically designed for off-road cycling, which a regular road bicycle would not be suited for. Mountain bicycles will typically be heavier due to added features such as stronger frames and different tyres to make them more efficient for rough terrain.
[b]Electric Bicycles[b]
Electric bicycles, electric bikes or e-bikes are motorised versions of a bicycle. They are powered by motor batteries that are rechargeable and are a popular option for cyclists across the world. Similar to road and mountain bicycles, there are e-bikes made for city cycling and off-road cycling. Browsing the offering of e-bikes is also overwhelming but you can easily read up on choosing an electric bike for guidance.
Must-have cycling accessories
There are must-have cycling accessories that you can purchase and save on with Cycling discount codes:
- A helmet is a non-negotiable for safety.
- Gloves to provide a more comfortable grip on your handlebars.
- Saddlebags for storing smaller items.
- A portable pump just in case you have a flat tyre.
- Mudguards to protect your clothing, bicycle and drivetrain from mud and dirt.
- A bike lock to secure your bicycle and prevent theft.
Staying Safe While Cycling For Cycle To Work Day
You’re ready to hit the road on your bicycle but to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you, here are important safety tips to take into consideration:
- Try to plan your route. "If you will be cycling for the first time during Cycle To Work Day, try to find out if there is an alternative route you could use as cycling on busy roads can be overwhelming at first",Marylyn Ncube.
- Always wear a helmet.
- Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for any potential hazards such as potholes and even open car doors.
- Keep a safe distance between yourself, the kerb and other vehicles on the road.
- Be prepared to hit the breaks.
- Be careful on wet or slippery surfaces.
- Keep your bicycle in good condition
- Consider wearing reflective clothing or add reflective stickers to your bicycle in case there is low visibility.
- Always follow the rules of the road
On Your Marks, Get Set, Cycle!
Get your bicycles ready for Cycle To Work Day and be one of the many Brits contributing to a healthier lifestyle and taking care of the environment. Explore our offering of Sports, Fitness & Outdoors discount codes to save on any extra accessories or gear that you may need. For more reading on e-bikes, check out our blogs on the best electric touring bike and Tenways e-bike review.
