Get involved in National Cycle to Work Day

Publish Date: Thursday July 25, 2024

Pre-pandemic, 25,000 people committed to travel to work by bike on “National Cycle to Work Day” according to Open Access Government. This might seem like a large number, but only 3.6% of people in Scotland regularly travel to work by bike, says the Annual Cycling Monitoring Report 2023.

I also read a study which said that almost a third of people who were asked, had the “desire to” commute to work by bike. But they were held back by the time and cost of being able to do so.

With that in mind, I wanted to briefly mention the Bike2Work Scheme which can help with the financial concerns of getting out on a bike. This tax exemption scheme was set up by the government in 1999 to try to encourage people to cycle to work and live a healthier lifestyle.

Fantastic

I’ve used the scheme myself in the past. I’ve benefited by acquiring a new bike for up to 48% less than the recommended retail price. And I’ve reduced my overall carbon footprint and boosted my overall physical and mental wellbeing.

To me, cycling isn’t just a means of transport to and from the workplace, or a fantastic way to improve the environment. Cycling allows me to immerse myself in my surroundings, it keeps me fit and allows me to unwind in a way nothing else comes close to.

With the national “Cycle to Work Day” fast approaching, my colleagues and I are commuting together to get involved and raise awareness of the many benefits associated with riding a bike.

Here are just a few benefits to riding:

Health and Wellbeing

• Physical fitness – cycling is a cardiovascular exercise that strengthens muscles, improves lung capacity and improves your overall fitness.
• Mental Health – cycling can reduce your stress and anxiety levels leading to an overall improved sense of wellbeing.
• Chronic disease reduction – regular cycling can lower the risk of diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

Environmental Benefit

FCCT are an environmental charity, dedicated to making sure people can enjoy Fife’s great outdoors. As such, our team is on a journey to reduce our collective emissions.

Some of us commute to work by bike on a regular basis, which helps to cut down our emissions. And by reducing our carbon footprint, we’re helping to tackle climate change.

Here are a few cycling-related quotes that inspire me – and may also inspire you to do the same as us on 1^st August. Tag us on socials if you do!

“You are one ride away from a good mood.”

Sarah Bentley, British Cyclist

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”

Albert Einstein

“To me, it doesn’t matter whether it’s raining or the sun is shining or whatever: as long as I’m riding a bike I know I’m the luckiest guy in the world.”

Mark Cavendish, British Cyclist and Tour de France record holder

Rich Webster, Education Officer, Fife Coast and Countryside Trust