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