Benefits of Cycling to Work
Express Medicals are proud to be members of CycleScheme, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. 5th August is their annual Cycle to Work Day, encouraging workers to ditch their vehicles or public transport and commute in the most healthy, economical and environmentally friendly way.
As a company focused on workplace health, we are in favour of initiatives that seek to improve the health of the country’s workforce.
So, what are the benefits of cycling to work? Here are our top 3 reasons to start cycling to work.
1. It’s good for your health
Yes, we know, you’ve heard it before. But considering around 1 in 3 men and 1 in 2 women do not meet the government’s recommendations for activity to promote good health, it’s worth repeating. Exercise is the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle.
It is known that regular physical activity reduces your risk of:
- Dementia
- Depression
- Many types of cancers
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Age-related mobility issues
The government recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity and 75 minutes of intense activity per week. If you cycle just 20 minutes each way to and from work, assuming a variation in elevation and therefore effort on your journey, you’re likely to meet or exceed these recommendations. All without having to make time in your schedule to hit the gym!
Although exercise is very helpful in weight management, reducing your risk of obesity (which itself carries a number of ill-health associations), it is not the only benefit. Research has shown that, even when studies are controlled for weight (thereby removing it as a factor), increased physical activity still decreases your risk for a host of health problems.
2. It’s good for your bank balance
Life in 2022 is getting quite expensive. In particular, driving is expensive. If you’ve been anywhere near the fuel pumps in the last 6 months, you’ll know what we mean. As of the date of publication, a medium-size car (with a 50L tank) costs around £95 to fill up with unleaded, or £99 with diesel.
Furthermore, the shortage of cars for purchase (new and used) caused by the pandemic has driven prices up as demand outweighs the supply. The cost-of-living squeeze is sure to have an impact on what you pay for maintenance and car services, too.
The ‘running costs’ associated with cycling are far below that of driving. You’ll need a bike and a helmet – both of which can be bought through salary sacrifice with a Cycle to Work scheme, lowering the amount you pay and spreading the cost out. Bike insurance and breakdown cover is likely to be under £100 per year, and maintenance costs around £150 per year.
If your usual commute involves public transport, there is still significant savings to be made. In London, for example, a zone 1-5 travelcard is £2,628 currently, and these fares are likely to increase over time.
If you are getting into cycling to save money, though, try to resist the allure of “high-performance” clothing and equipment. If you really want the best quality lycra, by all means go for it, but remember you don’t need any special clothes to get on your bike.
3. It’s good for the environment
If you’re looking to reduce the impact your commute has on the environment, switching to cycling is a great choice. By reducing your own carbon emissions, you can do your part to prevent climate change.
Cycling UK estimates that a person commuting just 4 miles each way will, by cycling to work instead, save half a tonne of CO2 - 6% of their annual carbon footprint. The effect of these reduced emissions is reduced air pollution in our cities, as well as protection of our natural biodiversity from the ramifications of climate change.
Reducing the number of vehicles on the road also reduces noise pollution in cities and may lead officials to increase the number of traffic-free areas and green spaces.
4. It’s good for your mental health and wellbeing
As mentioned above, meeting or exceeding the government’s recommendations for physical activity reduces your risk of certain conditions such as depression and dementia. The benefits of cycling for our mental wellbeing go far beyond that.
Exercise releases endorphins, hormones that relax your mind and make you feel happier. Starting your day with a bike ride eliminates the misery of sitting in traffic jams or feeling like a sardine on a bus or train. Instead, you can enjoy the fresh air, and get the blood pumping to invigorate you for the day.
Plus, you’ll hopefully be happy knowing you’re making the best choice for your body, your wallet, your mind, and the environment. We thank CycleScheme for giving so many workers in the UK the opportunity to make this choice.
