Healthier Lifestyles ...
Just a few ideas of projects that are running both locally and nationally ...

Home All Ability Cycling Exercise & Physiology Links Which Bike? Total Novices

For more information about the Cycleability site, bike try outs or anything else, please contact disabledcycling@cycleability.org.uk and/or download the Promotional Presentation in pdf format.  Planning also continues for the first All Ability Cycling Network Conference in April 2012, with interest growing in leaps and bounds.  We are also going to be holding a raffle which will include prizes such as an overnight stay at the Priory Hotel in Wareham, to be drawn at the conference.

For the Health Champions information leaflet, click here ..


On 6th February 2009, the CTC announced in their newsletter, that it is one of ten European cyclists’ organisations involved in a cross-border project called LifeCycle. The purpose of this initiative is to increase people’s physical activity by integrating cycling into daily routines, improving the perception and image of cycling and motivating new users to give cycling a go. The project is part-funded by the European Commission and CTC will receive €120,000 over a three-year period to run cycling for health schemes in various locations across the UK. The other European partner countries are Austria, Belgium, Poland, Hungary, Germany, Slovenia, Portugal and Liechtenstein.


LIFE CYCLE's aim is to integrate cycling as the natural mean of transport in daily life.  LIFE CYCLE wants to change the increasing sedentary lifestyles of people by adding physical activity to the daily routines.  Within the programme’s framework, LIFE CYCLE contributes to the overall objective to fight growing obesity and overweight figures as well as to foster preventive behaviour by leading a physically active life.


 


 (NB:  The cross border LIFE CYCLE PROJECT is NOT part of LifeCycle UK)



The project’s focus is all about cycling covering all stages of life from kindergarten until retirement.  LIFE CYCLE starts with making cycling an important part of life in early childhood and keeps it habitual for the entire lifespan.  The main product of LIFE CYCLE is an implementation manual out of tested measures to create a lifetime of cycling.

 

I've also linked up with Graeme Street in the States who has an every day cycle fitness programme - he is a fellow everyday cyclist that does cycle training for a living.  He loves to ride, get cyclists fit and have fun with the post-ride micro-brew from around the world.

 

Click on either or both of these links to go directly to his websites ... both of which are beneficial if you are out of sorts, after a long and extremely cold winter when on occasions, cycling was not or click on the Amazon link below and order your books via the link so that Kernow Wheels 4 All Cycling facility benefits from the commission Amazon offer in return for the advertising space.

 


Did you know that ..

  • A 15 minute bike ride, five times a week burns off the equivalent of fifteen pounds of a fat in a year?

  • Cycling also reduces your stress levels!

  • People unused to exercise who start cycling, moved from the least fit sector of the population to the fittest half in just a few months!

  • Aerobic fitness is boosted by eleven per cent after six weeks of cycling short distances, four times a week.

  • Generally cycling is free., no membership fees, no road tax, no fuel costs!

  • If using cycling as a means of loosing weight, enjoy it .. you will burn more fat at 55% intensity during exercise rather than going for it as though you plan on winning a medal in 2012, which will tone your body up more instead ..

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    Any maps of the UK you want, can be obtained by clicking on the Kellogg's Cycle10 logo and if you are on a PAYE scheme, how about a tax free bike?

              

  • Cycling is a great way to make new friends - try one of the many charity rides throughout the summer.

  • There is no age barrier to cycling.

  • Cycling can easily become part of your daily routine.

  • On a bike you use up fewer watts of energy than a car does just powering its lighting system for the same distance.

  • Zero emissions., bicycles produce no pollution when they are used, and are almost soundless.

  • What’s more, if you cycle a journey of up to three miles rather than drive, you will save 2kg of carbon.

  • On a bicycle you consume a fiftieth of the oxygen consumed by a motor vehicle, and expel no pollutants.

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    5 Miles to Fabulous TENDS to be the first weekend in June each year for example as a warm up to the Bike Week.

     

  • On a bicycle you can travel up to 1037 km on the energy equivalent of a single litre of petrol.

  • Furthermore, to make a bicycle requires the same energy produced by just one average tank of petrol.

  • Ten bikes can be parked in the space of one car.

  • Dedicated cycle routes are a haven for wildlife and make much safer wildlife corridors than roads.

  • Check out the myth busters at http://www.nhs.uk/change4life/Pages/MakeChangeMythbusters.aspx

  • And get a few tips from nutrition to tips for 60 minutes activities at http://www.nhs.uk/change4life/Pages/Make.aspx

  • Click on any of the links below to find out the latest information .. .. .. 

    • Every year during June, the CTC organise 5 Miles to Fabulous whilst you can also download the CE Cycling and Health booklet and
     Change 4 Life's Top Tips for Top Kids by clicking on the relevant pics.

    To recap then why then cycling is a good exercise apart from being non weight bearing making it possible for anyone to participate without stressing the knees and ankles too much:

  • Cycling exercises most of the muscles in your legs and bum – so it’s an excellent way to tone these areas.

  • It’s a practical way to keep fit. 75% all personal journeys are less than 5 miles long – that’s half an hour on a bike

  • Switching short journeys from car to bicycle will benefit your health and your community. You'll be helping to reduce noise and air pollution as well as traffic congestion

  • It’s cheaper than joining a gym! Bicycles require no MOT, no insurance, no licensing and above all no fuel. Bicycles can be parked almost anywhere for free

  • Riding a bike can help you maintain a healthy weight. Average cycling burns about 300 calories per hour and gives a level of fitness equivalent to being 10 years younger
     

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