Commuters Urged To 'Hop On Their Bike'

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has called on people to leave the car at home and "hop on their bike", ahead of Cycle to Work Day on Thursday 3 August.

According to the PHA, by switching up your daily commute and choosing to cycle you can reap many benefits for your physical and mental health.

Gerard Walls, Senior Health and Social Wellbeing Officer at the PHA, said: "Cycling to work is a great way to get moving and incorporate more physical activity into your daily routine. It’s also a fun and easy method of transport, allowing you to switch off and enjoy a journey that is less stressful than travelling by car.

You could also use it as an opportunity to catch up with a friend or colleague who is also interested in getting more active and cycle to work together.

"As we continue to go through the cost of living crisis, choosing to swap your usual journeys for a cycle will help you save on fuel costs, so as well as being better for your health, it can be better for your finances. Many employers are also part of the Cycle to Work scheme which can help you save on the cost of a bike."

Gerard continued: "Making the small change of cycling to work can make a big difference to your overall health and wellbeing. Being more physically active can help you lead a healthier life whilst also boosting your mental health and reducing your risk of developing chronic conditions such as heart disease, some cancers and type 2 diabetes.

"By becoming more active on the commute, you are also playing your part in protecting our environment by reducing your carbon footprint which will benefit us all for generations to come."

For more tips and advice on getting active, setting yourself achievable targets and eating healthier, visit www.ChooseToLiveBetter.com.