2. Cycling - how much does it cost?
Cycling doesn’t have to cost the earth. If you’re ready to buy your own bike, the cost can vary but once you’ve bought your equipment it’s completely free, unlike some activities that rely on you paying weekly for classes. Investing in good quality lock for your bike is also a good idea.
One thing to bear in mind is that you’ll need to get the right safety equipment. This is really important when riding a bike, so you’ll need a good helmet, which can cost around £15 for a good quality one.
It’s also a good idea to have some waterproof clothing to hand that won’t get caught in the chain or wheels of your bike. Padded trousers and shorts are also good for longer rides, and reflective clothing should be worn if you’re riding at night. It is also a legal requirement to have a light on your bike when it is dark.
You can cycle pretty much anywhere, any time, absolutely free. You could cycle around your local area on dedicated cycle paths in parks and on roads. You’ll find lots of main roads have specific lanes for cyclists to keep them safe. If you haven’t cycled on roads before it’s advisable to have some training first to ensure your safety.
You could try cycling to work or school or take trips on a weekend. It’s a great way to travel to new places outside the city, take in scenery and enjoy some ‘me’ time or a family day out. There are plenty of local cycling groups in communities.
If you haven’t cycled before, don’t worry. There are plenty of places that will teach you completely free in your local area no matter what your skill level. Whether you’re completely new to cycling or just looking to brush up on your skills.
Cycling off-road is fairly easy if you know how to ride, however if you are thinking of riding on the roads it’s worth getting some practice in first. You’ll need to get used to riding one handed so you can signal your direction of travel to traffic, as well as getting into the habit of looking over both shoulders to get a full view of your surroundings and the position of the cars around you.