Cycling

Why cycle?

Getting on a bike regularly not only gets you where you want to go faster than a car, it also has the following benefits:

• Cycling is good for your heart and health - cycling reduces the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes.

• Cycling will help with weight management - Cycling can be part of a training programme to lose weight. Cycling will burn the energy supplied by a chocolate bar or a couple of alcoholic drinks in an hour (about 300 calories).

• Cycling can improve your mood - Cycling can have positive effects on how we feel too. Moderate exercise has been proven to reduce levels of stress and depression, and raise self-esteem.

• Cycling can help to maintain strength and coordination - There can also be indirect benefits in terms of reducing injuries from falls. The strength and co-ordination regular cycling brings make them less likely.

• Cyclists breathe in less fumes than car drivers - Cyclists and pedestrians actually absorb lower levels of pollutants from traffic fumes than car drivers.

Information about cycle maintenance, safety and security can be found on our Cycle Woking pages

Organised Cycle Rides

Woking Cycle Users' Group run organised cycle rides and their programme can be viewed here

The cost to cover insurance is £1 for members of Woking Cycle Users' Group and £2 for non-members.

• Ability - The rides are designed for people not used to riding a bicycle any distance. If you can ride to the shops, you will be able to manage these rides. I never leave anyone behind.

• Route - The routes will be on tracks and minor roads. The short rides will be about 10-15 miles long and will take approximately 2 - 2 ? hours.

• What to bring? Bike - which should be in good working order. A bottle of water. Wear suitable clothing and maybe bring a waterproof. It is your choice whether to wear a cycle helmet. Lights should not be needed during the summer season but might be a good idea for the March and October rides.

• Where to meet? In the car park at Woking Leisure Centre by the tree near the childrens' playground at 1.50pm, ready to leave at 2 p.m.

• What about children?  Sorry, no unaccompanied children under 15, but accompanied children are welcome provided they are strong enough to cycle at a slow adult pace. They will need a proper bike with gears and at least 20" wheels.

The rides will be led by Ian Wright or other members of the Cycle Users' Group.

For more information contact Ian on 07969-506906 or email him at iankwright@hotmail.com

 

Age Concern Surrey also run cycle rides for people over the age of 50 as part of their GO50 project, their programme of rides can be viewed here

Surrey County Council also have information on their website about cycle events and training which can be viewed here

ICE Cycling Classes

Ever wanted to try spinning? Woking Leisure Centre run a programme of indoor cycling classes offered throughout the week, the timetable and information about the classes can be viewed here.

Classes are available from beginner level to the advanced, from teenagers to well, any age after that.

Bike4Life

Change4Life is here to help families eat well, move more and live longer. A great way to keep active and stay healthy - and spend time together as a family - is getting out and about on a bike. 

Nearly anyone, at any age, can learn to ride a bike. Bike4Life offers useful cycling tips and information, from advice on buying a bike to fun ways to make a trip even more enjoyable.

For ideas to help families in your area get on their bikes, visit Change4life and click on `partners and supporters' to download the Bike4Life toolkit.