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?