The
roads are too busy
Drivers see the roads that they drive on as being
congested and dangerous but very often, the route
from A to B by bicycle uses different stretches
of tarmac altogether. The new developments in
North Swindon have been thoughtfully designed
to link the housing to shops, schools and leisure
facilities with quiet paths for pedestrians and
cyclists. These tie into established routes and
cycle networks if you want to pedal further afield.
The best way to get to know the paths is by getting
out there and using them, but there is also a
Swindon cycle map available to
download and from the new North Swindon map
is also excellent. You can also get copies of
both of these from any library or Council office.
There's
no time to fit cycling in.
Even for those who haven't exercised much, a three-mile
journey can be pedalled in less than half an hour.
If you currently drive a few miles to work then
consider cycling this distance instead and build
the time to cycle into your normal daily routine.
If you have to take the kids to school then they
will enjoy doing the trip in the fresh air with
you and it gives them vital road safety skills
and exercise too. Trips to the shops and weekend
family outings are also great opportunities for
getting in the saddle.
Not
feeling fit enough
The solution to feeling fitter is to start cycling!
North Swindon is flat and you can build up the
fitness levels by increasing the length of journey
gradually. You don't need lycra and no-one is
timing how fast you go!
The
bike needs attention
It's usual for bikes that haven't been ridden
for a while to need a certain amount of maintenance,
but often this can be done at home. Clean off
the cobwebs, pump up the tyres, oil the chain
and check that the brakes work. If there are any
repairs that are doubtful then it's worth wheeling
the bike to a local bike shop and getting a proper
check up. The costs for this will vary but it
will be cheaper than the car's service. |
