Why bikes are best

Bikes are more than just a mode of transport

They are a catalyst for healthier communities, cleaner environments, and safer streets.

You don’t need to ride far or fast to feel the magic. Half an hour of cycling is enough to improve your health, reduce your risk of illness, ease your stress levels and benefit your mental health. Riding a bike to work, school, university or college is a convenient and practical way to incorporate regular exercise into your busy day.

Cycling is one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transportation. Bikes emit no pollution, so you can feel good about your impact on the planet while getting around. You know exactly how long a trip will take - often quicker than driving a car for distances up to 5km. Congestion becomes a thing that only bothers other people, and rockstar parking is a given. And bikes are easy on the wallet - they give and give and then give some more, with just a little maintenance every now and then.

Above all, bike riding is fun!

Do you remember how free you felt riding a bike as a kid? You can have that again by going on an adventure in your neighbourhood, wind in your hair and sun on your face. Our Getting Started page has plenty of tips and resources to help you turn the pedals again.

Bikes are also brilliant for business

When people ride a bike to get around, they are more likely to use local businesses for their shopping.

In London, studies found that bike riders and pedestrians are 40% more likely to spend money in local shops than car drivers. Research in New York City found cycleways on 8th and 9th Avenues in Manhattan correlated with an increase in retail sales of up to 49%.