Switch to cycling

If you are thinking about starting cycling, or want to take the plunge from leisure cycling to commuting journeys, we are here to help.

Even if you are working from home more now, you might find it easier to make short journeys on your bike, such as popping to the shops.

Cycling is a great way to avoid the hassle of the car on busy mornings. You can enjoy some family time, as well as squeezing in some quick and efficient exercise into your new routine.

There's no limit to where your bike can take you!

 

Beacon Fell

Explore beautiful countryside, find a fun traffic-free route near you, or the best route to work or school.

Cycle routes in Lancashire

Why make the switch?

If you are thinking about starting cycling, or want to take the plunge from leisure cycling to commuting journeys, hear from others around the county talk about their experiences.

 

There are lots of benefits to cycling

Mental and physical wellbeing

Mental and physical wellbeing

Cycling just 30 minutes a day can halve your risk of cancer, and reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

Save on fuel

Save money

Cycling on regular journeys, for example to work or to the shops, will help to save you money on fuel.

cycle for clean air

Help the environment

You will be helping the environment by making the air cleaner in your local area. 

What's stopping you from making the switch?

Getting started can be easy - you don't need much just a bike and a helmet.

We've got lots of tips on how to get started, including repairing an old bike, looking for a new bike, training courses and more.

Media

Lancashire has a range of cycle ways and paths, you don't always have to cycle on a road.  Plan your route in advance to find the best routes for you.

The more people get cycling, the less traffic there will be on the roads! Which, in turn means cleaner air for our environment.

Check out our Lancashire Cycle Routes section for traffic-free routes and links to useful apps that can help you plan your journey.

 

Media

Take a look at our tips on getting started. 

There's information about you can get a reconditioned bike, and you can get help with purchasing a new bike. 

Media

Cycling is great way to get fit and often you can fit it into your daily routine.

Start off with some gentle routes and before you know it you'll have built your confidence and your fitness levels.

Take a look at how other people have already made the switch to cycling.

Media

If you're not confident riding a bike, why not look at attending one of our cycling training sessions.

We're working with Go Velo, a Lancashire based cycle training company to offer adult cycle training courses which will help to build your confidence.

 

Media

 

 

Cycle to school or work

Make the switch by cycling to work

Most journeys we make are under 5 miles, an ideal distance for cycling. Many people cycle for leisure and may not previously have considered cycling to work.

If you live close enough, it is a fantastic way to get some exercise in your routine and clear your head on the journey, avoiding the stress of parking and traffic jams. 

Ask your employer about bike storage, bike purchase schemes and whether they are happy for you to wear more comfortable clothing to make it easier for you to cycle.

Make the switch by cycling to school

Whether you want to cycle the journey as a family or want to help your child to be independent in getting to school without using public transport, it's a great time to start.

 

Look who made the switch

Louise made the switch to get fitter and healthier

Last year on holiday I struggled walking and realised I was overweight and needed to do something.  However, due to previous surgery, I was unable to do any high impact exercise, so I pulled my bike out of the ten-year storage! 

Myself, my husband and our 3 boys did rides at weekends, nothing too strenuous and I found I enjoyed it, and the weight started to come off.

I had to have more surgery, so my bike went back into storage, I became inactive and almost feared going outside whilst I recovered, and the weight returned.

By February 2021, I'd had enough and dug my bike out.  I would cycle one mile to drop my son at nursery then one mile back home.  My husband and I (accompanied by youngest in a trailer) started doing longer but flat rides at weekends. Blackpool sea front, cycle paths in Lancaster, canal near home...we were up to 5 or 6 miles.

One of my many plans was to eventually cycle to work in Rawtenstall.  This is around ten miles from home so this meant I would be cycling 20 miles a day.  The route also meant I would be cycling up hills.  However, with practice and a confidence boost, I became comfortable and found the hills less strenuous.

I never, ever thought I'd be capable of this. But I am.

I've just signed up to my first challenge...cycling 300km to raise money for breast cancer.

It's tough as I work full time, I run a house, I care for 3 children and far too many pets! Somehow I need to find the time and energy to complete this!

I doubted myself recently when I was struggling on a hill but I thought of the friend I lost to breast cancer, and another friend who won her battle. I got up that hill.  I won 🤣

I might not be the fastest but I'm stronger, fitter, mentally well and aside post ride aches, my usual aches are gone.

I'm also having fun with my family…..all for little to no money!! My bike is 15 years old. You don't need to spend a lot to get started.

So please...don't be afraid. Get a bike. Get out there. Have fun!!!!!

Ghazala began cycling on the 'sofa to saddle' free training course

"I wanted to start cycling as a way to get out of the house and spend some time as a family outdoors in the summer. However, I was a bit nervous as I haven't cycled for a while so I joined the 'sofa to saddle course.'

I'm working up to a 10 mile bike ride and I've learnt some useful skills to help me handle my bike, as well as bike maintenance. I mainly cycle on canals and parks but it's given me more confidence to cycle on roads.

It's a hobby I will be carrying on through the winter months as I enjoy cycling with my daughter and I love the feeling of freedom and independence it gives me."

Vicky likes to cycle in Towneley Park close to her home

"I started cycling during lockdown as a chance to get out and get some fresh air and also exercise. I love the way it makes me feel energised and it gives me space to clear my head in the mornings before I go to work. I've even lost 2 and a half stone since starting cycling.

We've been lucky to have such nice weather recently but I don't even mind cycling in the rain, I just bought a cheap light weight mac so you don't need expensive gear. If you are thinking about cycling, just do it, you won't regret it"

Tammy is back on her bike after a back injury     

"I've been cycling for about ten years now.  My 'other half' gave me his old bike when he upgraded his and took me out on some amazing trails across the North West – that's when I got the cycling bug.

But I hurt my back a couple of years ago and I've had to take it easy whilst I've been having physiotherapy. Not being able to be so active has had an impact on my health, but I'm on the mend now. It's still painful for me to walk far, but I can still cycle quite easily and it's helping me to get my fitness levels back.

I just love cycling, no matter what the weather.  There are so many beautiful places you can get to along cycle paths in Lancashire."