Cyclists can expect to live for at least two years longer on average than non cyclists. 1
Paffenbarger R et al. Physical activity, all-cause mortality and longevity of college alumni. . New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 314(10) pp 605-613, 1986 
Regular exercise is widely accepted as beneficial to health and fitness. Walking, cycling and swimming are all recommended as beneficial and easily available. We, of course, are concentrating on cycling, and highlight its advantages.
“Cycling involves the rhythmic contraction of large limb muscles, and is therefore an idea aerobic exercise. Even the gentlest cycling is a more strenuous exercise than is usual for a sedentary occupation. There is little or no pressure on joints and muscles compared with weight bearing exercises (this may be particularly relevant to the overweight).
(Cycling towards Health and Safety, BMA, 1992)
“As with swimming, cycling is another good general activity as it builds up muscle strength and stamina. As cycling is non weight bearing it reduces the stress on joints and is therefore appropriate for those with arthritis and many cardiovascular conditions”
(Alive and Thrive, Suffolk Rethink Disability, 1998)
“The greatest improvements in physiological health are to be gained by those least active becoming even moderately active. In terms of cycling, even a small amount such as 15miles per week can improve fitness and reduce the risk of ill health in previously unfit people.
(Promoting Cycling for Health, Lorna Pearce, 1999)
(Based on Cycling for a Healthier Nation, Pearce et al, 1998)
“Surveys have shown that regular exercise must be enjoyable or not take much time if it is to be maintained. The only activities that have been shown to be continued throughout life are walking, gardening and cycling”
(Interview with Dr. Harry Owen, Flinders University, South Australia. European Cyclist 3.98)
Regular cyclists enjoy a fitness level equal to that of a person ten years younger.
(Source: British Heart Foundation, Morris)
Q: Why is cycling a better exercise than walking?
A: Walking provides less exercise for the heart.
In a Finnish study of men and women who had freely chosen their own method of exercise, walkers reached 60% of their maximum heart rate, and cyclists reached 70% of theirs. As a result, the cyclists' bodies improved more: the walkers averaged a VO2 max of 38 while the cyclists averaged 57.
The cyclists exercise was high enough to achieve a training response; that of the walkers was not. The cyclists therefore achieved better health benefits from their exercise.
In a controlled study to check these results, which lasted ten weeks, in which one group walked and one group bicycled, the cyclists showed an improvement of 7.3% in VO2 max while the walkers showed an improvement of 1.6%. On the treadmill test, the cyclists improved 13% and the walkers 9%, even though the cyclists had started at a higher level.
(Source www.kenifer.com/bikepages/health/pedal_h.htm. Pedalling Health shows the health benefits of cycling and walking, especially the reduction in coronary heart disease, stroke, and diabetes type II, and it explains why the health benefit is greater than the risk.)
Some of the benefits of cycling.
- Aerobic exercise
- Cardiovascular exercise
- Good for muscles
- Physical well being
- Improve limb strength
- Use calories
- Fitness
- Increased mobility
- General health
- Confidence
- Independence
- Self esteem
- Recreation
- Weight reduction
- Diabetes
- Angina
Crank it Up can provide groups with cycling sessions that can help develop fitness and hence work towards improving health. These can either be designed with building fitness or can be a leisure ride on or off road. There are cycling routes around that are old railway lines and hence only used by walkers or cyclists and hence offer a safe environment to the regular/irregular cyclist alike. Local routes are The Great Northern Trail, some like
the Spen Greenway, have features along the route like sculptures to help make the ride interesting.
A key asset is our fleet of bikes that range from tandems (2 & 3 person), 2 & 3 wheel bikes and comfort bikes designed for the irregular cyclist. Unlike most bikes the suspension on a comfort bike can be underneath the saddle and thus gives a more comfortable and pleasurable ride. Please see Our Bikes page for examples.
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