Choosing cycling for life

Emily Cherry, CEO of The Bikeability Trust, will be speaking on day one of our National Modeshift Convention & Team Modeshift National Sustainable Travel Awards 2024 on Tuesday 19 November. The theme this year is ‘Making sustainable travel journeys easier’.

Here Emily blogs for us and has some suggestions on how to make cycling an easy choice.

Think about it holistically

‘The fantastic thing about choosing cycling as your mode of transport, is that climbing onto a cycle is always going to be more active than climbing into a car.

Combining this with the benefits to the planet and everyone we share it with, can make it feel like a more significant choice. You’re not just cycling to get to work or the shops. You’re also taking a car off the road if you have one, contributing to improving air quality, helping the planet, and making your area a quieter, nicer place to be. All this certainly makes it feel like an easier choice for me when I leave the house.

Don’t go it alone

If you can’t cycle, or haven’t done it for a while, team up with a friend who already cycles or wants to try it too, or find a club, group or activity near you. Cycling can be super social, which is one of the real bonuses – and believe me, having a chat while you get up a hill can make it a lot more fun.

“There are lots of cycling activities, events, training, and cycle clubs dotted around the country. Finding the right thing to help you on your journey is just a matter of searching the web and seeing what’s available in your local area.” Emma McLoughlin, Bikeability instructor 

Our instructors have other great ideas for getting started cycling.

They’re never too young

The idea of cycling with children might seem like an impossible dream, but two parents, Jas and Faith, told us all about how much both their families benefit from cycling.

“Suddenly trips that we used to have to drive became cyclable. We began cycling to town, swimming lessons, parties and other regular events. It was so quick and easy it became second nature to cycle, and so we expanded bike trips to accommodate the supermarket shop, IKEA trips, evening outings and football matches.” Faith, parent and cyclist

Cycling is not only good for children’s physical and mental health, but also their confidence and decision making. It is a vital life skill that we believe every child should have access to, no matter where they live, their abilities or circumstances.

Go electric

There’s no doubt that the new, improved electric bikes have made cycling accessible to many more people. If you want to cycle but worry you don’t have the physical ability, or even just want it to be a bit easier, then an electric bike is a good option.

“Cycling has always been such a big part of my life. It’s been my primary form of transport, my exercise and now my mobility aid.” Lucy Giuliano

Lucy told us about her experiences cycling with a disability, and the difference an electric bike has made to her life.

Whatever your circumstances or lifestyle, there is a way to incorporate cycling. Choosing active, sustainable travel, however you do it, will not be a decision you regret.’

National Modeshift Convention & Team Modeshift National Sustainable Travel Awards 2024

Emily will be speaking at our National Modeshift Convention & Team Modeshift National Sustainable Travel Awards 2024 – Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 November, The Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds. 

Book your place: 

➡️National Modeshift Convention & Team Modeshift National Sustainable Travel Awards (Eventbrite)