I Want to Ride my Bicycle

In praise of pedal power

It’s 165 years since Kirkpatrick Macmillan made his epic two-day journey from Dumfriesshire to Glasgow on his new invention, a two-wheeled machine which could be propelled by pedal power alone. It’s testament to what a momentous occasion it was that the bicycle is as popular as ever now as it’s ever been – and there’s no better place than its birthplace here in Scotland to get on your bike. When you consider the benefits to your health, the environment, not to mention your bank balance, it’s no wonder the Scottish Executive is working hard to bring cycling out of the fringes and into the mainstream.  

Regular cyclists enjoy a fitness level equal to that of a person 10 years younger. Consider how much time you actually spend outdoors in the fresh air and sunlight on a working day. Cycling can sometimes be the only opportunity you have to enjoy both, improving your mental health and wellbeing as well as boosting your immune system. And research has shown that those commuting in vehicles breathe in 25% more pollution than those cycling. A study from the Environmental Travel Association has shown that passengers in slow-moving traffic are face levels of pollution two to three times higher than pedestrians and cyclists, increasing the risk of headaches, eye pain, asthma and respiratory complaints.  

Not only are you inhaling less pollution, you aren’t emitting any. Cycling is the least polluting way of traveling after walking and a much faster mode of transportation than your legs. And if you are in a big city, travel time at peak hours is often twice as fast on your bike than it is in your car.  

A bicycle does not require an MOT, road tax or fuel. Bike repairs are quite reasonable and if you have the patience and some wipes, you can do most of the repairs yourself. The average price of maintenance per year is £75. And parking is both easily-available and free.  

Have we convinced you to get on your bike yet? Well, once you’ve learnt how to ride a bike you’ll never forget, right? You may have pedalled a bike around the park, but may be lacking in confidence to start a whole new cycling lifestyle for you and your family. Believe it or not, there are cycling tutors and instructors who can help build your skills and confidence with just a few lessons. Cycling Scotland has a range of instructors and programmes, with information available at www.cyclingscotland.com. Road Safety Units also deliver cycle training to primary schools in Scotland www.roadsafetyscotland.org.uk. 

A recent survey by Cycle Training UK suggests that 80% of trainees felt the training made them more confident, leading to a 50% increase in the number of journeys made of over three miles, and a greater number prepared to cycle all year round. 

Get the kids started 

A bicycle is your child’s first vehicle and teaching your children to ride a bike is a rite of passage for most parents. The moment of pride when those stabilisers come off and your child rides off down the path without you will never be forgotten. Too often, however, we draw the line there, allowing our kids to pick up the more advanced skills through practice and with their mates. As we motivate ourselves and our children to practise a more active lifestyle and encourage cycling it is important to arm our new cyclists with the knowledge and tools they need to safely share the pavement and the road.  

Safety First 

Think! Road Safety has some basic guidelines you should review before you get started. The Scottish Road Safety Campaign also has a comprehensive and useful selection of guidelines for parents.  

For starters:  

- Children under the age of 10 should not be allowed to cycle on the road. 

- Check which cycle training courses are available at your child's school and encourage them to take one if possible. 

- Make sure your child always wears a cycle helmet (and wear one yourself to set an example), as it will help to protect them if they have an accident. For guidelines on how to purchase and fit a helmet go to: www.roadsafetyscotland.org.uk/road_users/cyclists/cycle_helmets  

- Make sure that your child's bike is the right size and that the front and back lights work, the back reflector is clean and on view to other road users. Make sure the brakes can be applied with a small amount of pressure and that the tyres are inflated to the correct pressure. It is an offence to cycle at night without a white front light, a red back light and a red reflector at the back.  

- In some areas, special cycle routes, paths and lanes are provided – if this is the case in your area, make sure your child is aware of where they are.  

- Make sure your child has a cycle lock and that the frame is marked with your postcode.  

According to Scottish Cycling, cycling is the number one activity for girls and number two for boys outwith PE lessons – outlining how popular it is with Scottish children.