SPT is pushing the pedalling option

NHS Health Scotland recommends that we do a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week. A good guide to the term 'moderate activity' is that the effect should leave us slightly out of breath and feeling warmer but still able to talk. Nearly 60% of the Scottish population do not meet these levels.

Cycling is an effective, healthy and environmentally friendly form of transport. Benefits include:

• It is good for you;
• It is good for the environment;
• It is fast;
• It is convenient;
• It gives you freedom and independence;
• It takes you from door to door;
• It is reliable.

In congested urban areas, using your bike to commute can bring you many benefits. In the city, cycling is often twice as quick as driving. The time you take doesn't vary with traffic, so you will always arrive on time, or even early.

Be safe and be seen

• Be bright - day and night - means being able to be seen by drivers. Wear brightly coloured clothing and use lights when cycling at night.
• Obey traffic signs - a bicycle is a vehicle and this means that cyclists must stop at red lights.
• Wear protection - cycle helmets are recommended for safe cycling; however it must fit the cyclist's head, be worn and adjusted correctly and replaced after any impact.
• Give warning - ride predictably and indicate to motorists before changing direction or turning.

Further information

See more links to cycling websites.

Contact us

For further information on active travel please e-mail John Binning at SPT.

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