Walking and riding your bike is not just good for the planet, it's good for you too!
Did you know that 30 minutes of cardio just four times a week is proven to support better sleep and give more energy throughout the day!? One study found regular cardio to be the equivalent of pharmaceutical sleep aids.
Not only that, but car free travel in the daytime means you get exposed to some important vitamin D. Many of us who work in offices are lacking vitamin D which can affect sleep cycles, even just 10-15 minutes in the sun can be enough.
British researchers also share that workers who make the a switch to commute by biking or walking report less stress throughout the day meaning better rest at night.
You don't even have to give up your car completely, just make the effort to walk or bike for 30 minutes (or 1 trip) a few times a week. Walking or riding a bicycle are easy ways to cut out car use for short journeys, such as going to the neighbourhood shops or after-work or after-school activities.
Here are some cycling tips to get you started:
1. Get to know what facilities for walking and cycling are available in your area and on routes you use regularly.
2. Work out trips that you can easily take a non-car option for, including in tandem with public transport for commuting e.g. cycle to the train station or walk to the bus stop instead of being dropped off by car
3. Look for ways to incorporate walking and cycling into your exercise regime to get a double benefit from the time spent e.g. get to work and get fit at the same time
4. Even in rural and regional areas, you may find there are tasks or visits you can make without always driving a motor vehicle, and even using a motorbike or scooter will use less fuel and cut pollution by comparison with taking a car or truck.
5. In your community, become an active champion with your local council and the government for better walking and cycling facilities including safe cycle paths.
6. Spend time with your children teaching safe cycling and pedestrian behaviour and encourage them to walk or cycle where possible.
Let us know your cycling tips below!
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