Benefits of Cycling

Increasing the proportion of visitors coming to, and exploring Cheshire using public transport

With regard to this aim, the strategy calls for linking public transport to other activities to create a leisure experience in its own rights. Examples includes cycle hire at stations so that people can explore by bike.

Encouraging recreational activity as a special way of exploring and experiencing Cheshire's countryside and heritage without depending on a car

With the demand for cycling holidays increasing rapidly, both domestically and from overseas, the strategy supports the continued improvement and development of the infrastructure for cycling. It also advocates the need for a co-ordinated  marketing plan to maximise the potential of this  developing resource for tourism. This should include consideration of holiday packaging and encouraging cycle hire.

An understanding of the benefits of cycling, helps to highlight what cycling can bring to the County and its residents

The range of benefits extends to issues like health, the environment, and the economy. Cycling is not perceived as being a dirty, noisy or an expensive mode of transport, rather its image as an efficient, cheap, fun and environmentally friendly way to travel is very positive and should now be built on in East Cheshire.

Health Benefits

Cycling is an excellent form of exercise, those people who regularly cycle are fitter, healthier and less prone to some medical problems. The British Medical Association have stated that cyclists have lower stress levels, are less prone to heart attacks, have fewer respiratory complaints and have much less chance of obesity.

Environmental Benefits

Growth in car traffic has increased road congestion and environmental pollution, particularly in town centres and urban areas. The need for cleaner alternative means of gaining access to locations which generate trips, must be viewed as a priority. Over short distances the cycle is very efficient, being a low energy and pollution free mode of transport; 72% of all trips are under 5 miles, making cycling an ideal alternative to motorised transport.

Much of what the bike has to offer in alleviating some of the environmental problems we associate with today's transport network, hinges on its success as an alternative mode of transport to the car.  Growth in cycling, but a continued increase at today's levels in motorised traffic, will have little overall affect on reducing levels of air and noise pollution.  Clearly what is needed is a considerable change in current trends in transport use, towards greater cycle use. Increasing cycle use to the level found in the Netherlands could reduce emissions by as much as 20%.  

Economic Benefits

Cycling is very cost effective and provides good value for money. Cycle routes are very cheap to develop, considerably cheaper than roads. Once cycle routes are in place there is little cost involved in maintaining them.  Running costs are reduced to only minor maintenance costs whilst there are no additional fuel costs. A healthier nation, will also place less demands on the health service. It is a well known fact that regular exercise could help reduce the number of people requiring health treatment, whilst reducing the number of days spent away from work due to ill health.

Cycling can also help to create new job opportunities, especially within tourism and leisure, where demand for cycling holidays and day trips also increases demand for tourism and leisure facilities and services.