Cycling

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.

Cycle Republic has created a commuter calculator simply input your home and work locations and you can find out some great stats.

  • 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?
 

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