Why Cycle?
For health
- Medical experts describe cycling as "an ideal form of exercise"
- Cycling for half an hour a day could halve your chances of heart disease
- It is estimated that a 10% increase in people cycling regularly would reduce National Health Service costs for
treating heart disease by £200m a year - Regular cyclists enjoy a fitness level normally found in someone 10 years younger
- Pollution is three times as bad inside a car as outside in slow moving traffic
- Don’t overdo it! Start gently and build up your fitness level.
If in doubt, consult your Doctor.
For transport
- Traffic congestion is not yet perceived to be a great problem in Stevenage, however long queues can develop on main routes in the morning and evening "rush hours". Unless positive action is taken these are set to get worse.
- Many journeys in Stevenage are short enough to be made by bicycle
- Cycling can perform a vital role in beating congestion
- Using the off street cycle network can be the quickest way of travelling in peak traffic conditions
- Most rush hour journeys within Stevenage are faster by bike.
For recreation
- Cycling is an excellent way of seeing Stevenage from a different perspective
- The comprehensive off road cycleway network allows you to take in Stevenage’s attractions and places of interest by bicycle
- The Stevenage cycleway network provides easy access to the surrounding countryside
For the environment
- Cycling is a pollution-free form of transport
- Nearly 60% of car journeys are less than 5 miles. By cycling instead for short journeys you can help to reduce pollution and traffic congestion and preserve the Earth’s oil reserves
- Motor vehicle fumes are a major contributor to "global warming", by cycling instead you are helping to reduce the rate of climate change