Many of us are rediscovering our childhood passion for cycling during lockdown.
Riding a bike is a great way to stay active, look after your mental health and make every-day journeys. Now more than ever, cycling has become a preferred mode of transport. Quieter roads, combined with enforced time at home mean that cycling is up by 70% in some areas, according to the UK government.
Local cycling is helping people fall in love with their towns and cities again. The ease and speed of wheels (combined with less traffic) means many of us have discovered a new found love for our surrounding areas. Plus the saying you never forget how to ride a bike is certainly true – and it has its health benefits!
Since the lockdown began, bicycle manufacturers and shops across the UK have reported a boom in demand, and many expect a further increase in sales as people consider resuming journeys to work when restrictions ease. Brompton, the UK’s largest bike manufacturer, producing almost 50,000 folding cycles a year, has seen a fivefold increase in online sales since the start of April, and Halfords has reported a “strong performance” and a 23% increase in share price.
But you don’t have to be a Tour de France fanatic to get on your bike. We know not everyone wants to don lycra or invest in expensive gadgets so we’ll leave that to the cycling experts.
However if you want to dust off your pedals and achieve that sense of freedom you felt as a kid all, you really need is some simple gear to make your journey more comfortable – and don’t forget stylish.
