Get rid of the car and get on a bike

If you’ve always thought about scrapping your car and using a bike to commute everywhere, but have come up with a list as long as your arm as to why can’t, stop with the excuses and just do it!  Here’s a list of reasons why you should just do it, ditch the car and get on a bike!

Save money

If you choose to get rid of your car, you will save on insurance costs, tax, petrol and costly vehicle repairs. That money can quickly mount up over the course of a year, well into the thousands of pounds.

Improve your health

Cycling everywhere will improve your overall health and lifestyle. Just like any form of exercise it will help you to lose weight, reduce your stress and improve your overall fitness. Cycling also has many other health benefits:  Regular cycling improves heart health, with just 20 miles a week reducing the risk of coronary heart disease by 20%. 

Get fit

As cycling is a form of cardiovascular exercise, it will increase your fitness levels and help you to gain strength. 

Gain pleasure from your commute

Without being trapped inside a car, you’ll have the chance to notice the scenery around you. Traffic will no longer be an issue and you won’t have to spend any more time stressed out and worrying about being late.

Save the environment

You may not be able to save the environment single handed, but you can certainly do your bit and you will feel better knowing that you are. 

New bike theft statistics

A recent survey carried out by insurer LV found that on average, a person’s bike is stolen just 23 months into ownership. If you and your beloved bike are heading towards this milestone you will want to up your bike security.

This survey found that 1 in 5 bike owners have their bikes stolen after just 6 months. Most of the people surveyed expect to keep their bikes for 10 years, but with the rate of bike thefts rising this simply isn’t the case.

A third of bike thefts still go unreported as victims feel that there is a very low chance of ever getting their bike back. 3 in 10 of those questioned said their bike was stolen from their garage or shed and a fifth reported their bike being stolen from their driveway. Fewer precautions seem to be taken when it comes to bike security at the home. If your garage or shed is easily accessible, then it won’t take much for a thief to work their way inside and if you own an expensive bike it is possible that a bike thief has spotted you and followed you home for the chance to steal your bike. Reports suggest this is a particular problem in Bristol, with gangs following cyclist’s home and returning to steal their bikes.

Bike security tips:

·         Always lock your bike and use two locks when you can – a D lock and chain together is a good way to deter a thief.
·         Buy the best lock you can afford.
·         Remove all valuable items from your bike if leaving it in a public place.
·         If your return to find your tyre has been punctured, never leave the bike overnight, walk it home.
·         If using your bike at night, lock it up in a busy and well lit area.

If you are concerned about bike security at home or live in an area that has been targeted by bike thieves, it may be worth investing in secure storage for your bike. Asgard has a range of secure bike storage units designed specifically to house your bike and cycling accessories. Asgard bike storage offers the best in bike security. These steel bike storage units are made from tough galvanised steel and are fitted with strong locking systems and pick resistant locking mechanisms, designed to keep thieves out!  Check out the full range of secure bike storage on the Asgard website.

Figures and information provided by Road.cc

Things to do on your bike

A new year can bring all sorts of new and exciting challenges. If you love cycling and are looking for some adventure, here is a list of things you should do on and with your bike ! There’s something for everyone from the aspiring pro to the lazy Sunday cyclist. How many of these do you think you could do?

Bike for charity

If you haven’t already, get on your bike for charity. There are loads of biking fund raisers out there, you’ll feel great doing something you love for a cause you care about. If you can’t find something in your local area, why not have ago at arranging something yourself!

Push the boundaries- triathlon

If you love being active, no matter what the activity, why not push yourself and sign up for a triathlon. If you are up for the challenge, make sure you leave yourself with enough time to prepare and train.

Teach someone how to cycle

Teaching someone else how to ride a bike is incredibly rewarding.

Join a cycling social group

These are a great way to meet people with similar interests to you. You’ll gain a group of people to cycling with and make some friends too!

Go on a cycling holiday

Let’s face it, the weather in the UK isn’t the best and even in the summer it is lukewarm at best. If you crave warmer climates to ride your bike in, why not try a cycling holiday this year. There are plenty of destinations well known to be great for cycling holidays such as Mallorca, Croatia, Austria and America.

Take a bike maintenance class

If you are a relatively new bike owner and aren’t sure of all the maintenance you should be carrying out on your bike, take a bike maintenance class to brush up on your knowledge and skills.

Cycle to work

If you are a weekend rider and never commute by bike or just like cycling off road. Give the bike commute a chance, you might actually like it.