Around a quarter of car trips in England are under two miles, a distance most people can cycle in about ten minutes. Transport is a big slice of the average carbon footprint, so swapping even a few of those journeys for the bike makes a real dent.
- Take a rucksack for shopping: a backpack or pannier turns means you can transport stuff as well.
- Buy a good second-hand bike: a new bike’s footprint is mostly manufacture, so a used one is lower-carbon, cheaper, and less likely to be stolen.
- Pump up and get a free service: well-inflated tyres roll easier, and go to one of London’s Dr Bike session for some free maintenance
- Ride while the weather’s good: summer is the easiest time to build the habit, before shorter, colder days make it less tempting.
- Bank the health benefits: regular cycling improves fitness, mood and heart health, so the low-carbon choice pays you back directly.
Start with one regular journey a week, and find people to ride with at the London Cycling Campaign’s Cycle Buddies.