Yesterday, The Times reported that the popularity of cycling is surpassing levels seen in the pandemic, when usage was the highest in 60 years.

The Department for Transport figures are showing that 50% more people are cycling regularly compared with before the pandemic.

Fuel prices have undoubted played their part in encouraging people to use their cars less and switch to two wheels from four. And the charity Cycling UK think a surge in people cycling mid-week suggests they are using cycling for shorter journeys e.g. to work, to the shops or for the school run.

This must be good news for the environment – less car pollution – but also for people’s health as they are more active.

Cycling UK has been supporting cycling since 1878 and it has a Big Bike Revival initiative to make cycling more accessible.  Its mission is to deliver free events which help people start cycling through fixing bikes, teaching skills and leading rides.  

It has a really good, helpful website, with lots of information for anyone who wants to get stuck into cycling or get more involved. Their website is full of lots of useful information, including how to get started, information and advice on e-bikes (e.g. are they for me?), campaigns – there’s even something for employers on how to be cycle friendly.

Cycling UK also has a gift membership scheme – you can give the cyclist in your life a year of benefits:

• £10m third party insurance
• 6 issues of Cycle Magazine a year, plus retail discounts

Gift memberships support the work Cycling UK does to help more people to enjoy cycling. It will help the charity make cycling safer, too, as gift memberships help fund campaigns.  Gift memberships can be sent to you to give your loved one, or directly to the lucky recipient!

So get peddling and head off to Cycling UK for more information!

How about a cycling experience?
Tour the South Downs with
GPS Guided Half Day Electric Mountain Bike Hire for Two
Available from Virgin Experience Days for £90.00