Why cycle?

The economic, environmental and health benefits of choosing to cycle.

Oxfordshire is changing. There is a commitment to accelerate delivery of 2030 target of 100,000 new homes and 85,000 jobs. Our aim is to build better places and enable better health and well-being and one of the best ways of improving our health is by taking up cycling..

Cycling is a way of improving our health, well-being and punctuality. There is definitely evidence to suggest that some of us would benefit from cycling in terms of our health. Here are some examples:

  • An estimated 55% of people aged 16 or over in Oxfordshire are classified as overweight or obese.
  • In 2014, Public Health England estimated the mortality burden attached to long term particulate exposure in Oxfordshire to be 5.6% of the population
  • Congestion is a major problem in the UK. Figures released in May 2016 by the Department for Transport found that a total of £316.7bn miles were travelled by vehicles on the UK road network during 2015, a year-on-year rise of 1.6% and the highest level ever recorded

More commuting by cycle has the potential to contribute to reducing vehicle congestion, increasing punctuality, reducing stress levels and providing businesses with a fitter, healthier workforce. Cycling is quick and effective – the best choice for 2-5 mile journeys. For longer journeys, a great option is to combine cycling with bus or train.

A recent development with great potential has been electric bikes (e-bikes) which offer assistance for cyclists. They are particularly useful for people who live far away from destinations, carry heavy items and/or have to ascend hills. E-bikes are not like mopeds – you have to pedal and this improves health and well-being.