GreenChoices

Cycling and the environment

The bicycle is one of the most efficient machines ever - estimated as the equivalent of a car doing 1600 miles on a gallon of petrol. Cycling is one of the best forms of exercise, increasing your chances of a long and healthy life. Regular cyclists enjoy a fitness level equivalent to being 10 years younger.

• Cycling fits into your life rather than taking time out of it - cycling across town is often quicker than driving (and parking...)
• Three-quarters of all personal journeys are less than 5 miles long - within half an hour on a bike.
• The Cyclists Touring Club campaigns on access and other cycling issues, and provides practical information both for the UK and abroad.
• Velo Vision Magazine - passionate and practical cycling stories and news from around the world.
• London Cycling Campaign - for more and safer cycling in London. Provides practical help and advice, including free cycle route maps of the whole of London, cycle training, and advice to employers.
• Many towns have similar cycling campaigns. There's a list on the Cambridge Cycling Campaign website.
• Cambridge Cycling Campaign are developing an interactive map for Cambridge which plots routes between any two places and is linked to a database of photographs, of good bike provision, problems and more.
• Beware of the weird cycle lanes!

Beyond cycling!

• A to B magazine; idiosyncratic and dedicated, a fount of information on unusual bicycles, folding bikes, electric bikes, trailers, trikes and car-free alternatives generally.
• Folding bikes are a boon, either when using cycle-hostile public transport or if you want to co-ordinate with car-driving friends. Buy on-line or from good bicycle shops.
• workbike.org: world-wide information on carrying loads and people by human power; the weird, the very wonderful, the aspirational - and the downright useful.
• Inline skating - untapped green transport potential?