Pedal power - good reasons to get on your bike (From Bournemouth Echo)

Pedal power - good reasons to get on your bike

9:00am Wednesday 7th July 2010 in

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IT’S good for the environment, your health and your bank balance – no wonder more young people than ever are turning to pedal power this summer. Kezia Navey, 15, reports.

According to Sport England’s “active people” survey, 3.1 million people get on their bikes each month which makes cycling the fourth most popular recreational sport in Britain.

But the survey doesn’t include the numbers of people who commute to work via bike, and latest research shows that the average 15 minute bike ride to and from work five times a week burns the equivalent of eight pounds a year in fat.

And the amount of people who prefer two wheels to four has risen in the past few years, particularly amongst the under-18s.

Ceri Brown, 15, of Bournemouth explains: “The good thing about bikes is that they are a relatively fast way to get around. For people under the age of 17, being unable to drive means that where you can go is restricted by the fact that the only way to get somewhere independently is via bus, taxi or train, which makes getting around complicated and expensive.”

That is why turning to pedal power this summer could be an effective, healthy option.