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The first bicycle ever created had no pedals, no chain and no brakes; you pushed it along with your feet. It was called the ‘Hobby Horse’ and it was invented by Karl von Drais in 1817. Almost two hundred years later, and granted much more sophisticated, the humble bicycle is at the forefront of the fight for a better environment and better lifestyle. If you live within five miles of your office, gym, or favourite park or shopping complex, why take the car? Why spend money on increasing fuel costs? Why waste time in traffic? Take a ride out on your bicycle.

Leave the car, cycle rather

A bicycle is cheaper, according to most research it’s a faster door-to-door urban transport option, its fun and of course very healthy. And it has very little impact on the environment– which is an absolute plus right now.

In fact, cycling as a mode of green transport is actually an economic and political matter. The UK government launched the Cycle to Work initiative, which as long ago as in 1999, gave businesses tax incentives for lending bicycles to their employees – that way they saved money and benefited from a healthy workforce, while the employees save transport costs.

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This year there is a drive to appeal to parliament that infrastructure be improved for cyclists. One example of this is that public transport will be enhanced to allow for more space for cyclists to carry their bicycles onto trains and buses. Other initiatives include the Votebike campaign launched by CTC, the Uk’s National Cyclist’s Organisation.

You and your bike

The British Medical Association give their thumbs-up to cycling, saying that it has been proven to improve strength, stamina and aerobic fitness, increase weight-loss and lower heart attack risks. It is true that if you are on the bicycle for more than six hours a day at a time you may experience lower back problems, but that’s mainly for professional cyclists.

To improve your health, live up to your part of the fight against global warming by lowering your carbon footprint, and save money, buy a bicycle and hit the streets. Remember what it was like to ride all day as a child, wind in your hair and the rush of going as fast as you can? What a great family outing.

Equipment

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You will need a bicycle, and there are plenty to choose from, from mountain bikes to the innovative folding bikes – allowing you to fold them up in less than 30 seconds and hop on a bus. Then you may need a bicycle maintenance kit, a bag to carry whatever you need, bicycle locks and most importantly a helmet. You can get fancy later but for now, ride like the wind.