No More Excuses! It's Time To Get On Your Bike

Too scared to cycle on the road? Worried about pollution? Sure your bike will be stolen? Whatever your reason for not cycling, we’re here to show you how to enjoy the ride.

- Hannah Ebelthite

Cycling has never been more popular, which is great news for the environment and our fitness levels. And it’s hugely versatile – taking to two wheels can mean anything from a countryside caper to an urban commute. The trouble is, cycling can be intimidating.

‘It’s fantastic that its popularity has soared, thanks to [Victoria] Pendleton and co,’ says Paul Swainson, head of Future Fit (futurefit.co.uk). ‘But cycling doesn’t need Olympic efforts.’

We want to encourage the cycle-shy among you onto your bikes. So we asked the experts for a positive spin on your ‘I-can’t-cycle’ complaints.

THE EXCUSE

‘I’m too scared to cycle on the road’

A recent Mintel survey found four in 10 women think it’s too dangerous to cycle on the roads. If you’re one of them, there are plenty of statistics to reassure you. According to national cycling charity CTC (ctc.org.uk), you’re as likely to be killed in a mile of cycling as a mile of walking – and more likely to be killed doing an hour’s gardening! One cyclist dies Britain’s roads for every 27.7 million miles travelled by bike. The risk of any injury from cycling is just 0.05 injuries per 1,000 hours of cycling.

Whether you’ve cycled in the past and lost your confidence, or you’ve never made the transition from beginner to commuter or fitness cyclist, help is out there. Remember Cycling Proficiency lessons at school? They still exist, in various forms and for adults at all levels. And the cost is often subsidised by local councils. Find out about the Department for Transport’s Bikeability scheme at bikeability.org.uk. Or find information about instructors, types of training and courses at ctc.org.uk.