Why? Because as restrictions lift, this is our chance to enduringly shift how we live…
WHEELY FACT
1.3m Brits bought a bike during lockdown!
..and we get killer thighs. We all know that driving less is one of the most impactful, individual contributions we can make to lowering our carbon footprint and we have proved we can do it. The nation took to the bike in lockdown and fell in love. Bikes sold out. Repair shops practically broke down with demand. Helmets flew off the shelves. Now, we don’t want to get out of the saddle. Let’s not! Here are some super exciting developments to fend off the motor (and the virus):
There’s £5 billion of new funding in the pot to overhaul regional bus and cycle links.
A £250 million emergency active travel fund has led to pop-up bike lanes cropping up everywhere, to make it safer to cycle and reduce numbers on public transport.
A “Fix your Bike Voucher Scheme” is being launched to spur people into getting their old bikes out of the shed. And there are plans for more bike fixing facilities.
The Cycle to Work scheme - which gives employees a cost effective way to buy a new bike - continues.
A #BikeIsBest digital billboard campaign is launching across 9 UK cities, imploring more people to take journeys by bikes, showing stats of progress to spur everyone on.
A-maaa-zing! Anything can be achieved if we want to (and need to).
But wait…
Traffic is starting to creep back up to around 75% of pre-lockdown levels and campaigners say more action is urgently needed if new cyclists are to feel safe, as traffic increases. We need continuous cycle routes and joined-up networks so that we’ve got a more circular, end to end system.
So our call to action this week is to…
Contact your MP to ask for local cycle paths. The form is all pre-done and takes less than a minute. Let’s make our voices heard, now, when it matters.
Join in with Possible’s Stride and Ride challenge. Over the next fortnight, pledge to do 5 journeys that you’d normally do in a car, on your bike (or walk, run, skate or scoot). We’re in!
Will it cost me money?
Yes, if you haven’t got a bike already! Pays off though…less petrol or travel costs, fresh air, feeling fit. Long wait lists for new bikes at the mo, but chat up your local shop and there’s always eBay, FB marketplace. Nab.
Got a question to ask, a tip to share? Tell us! And…is there something you’re proud of, big or small (cheap sponge shunned, happy sponge bought)? Email us, so we can feature you on our Weekly Shout Out. Everyone loves it, don’t be shy.
We…
Aimee: Mmm…so, ironically, I’ve done less cycling now I’m not commuting to London than I was before lockdown! I don’t need my Brompton to go from my bedroom to my home office, across the landing. This is a good reminder for me to get on my bike - I commit to start cycling for all my local journeys to the shops.
Sonia: One lonely lockdown Thursday in March I bought a bike, Friday I’m in love. Car? What car?
“These wheels were made for spinning”
Photo: Asoggeti