Benefits of active travel 

• Save money on fuel, parking or public transport  
• Incorporates physical activity into your daily routine – reduces the need to find extra time in the day to be active.  

• Boosts your immunity and helps you live longer and in better health 
• Releases feel-good hormones to improve your mood  
• Arrive at work with improved focus and concentration 
• Generates an immunity boost that can help fend off any office viruses 
• In some built up cities and towns it can be quicker to use active modes of transport than to travel by car 

• Improves air quality by reducing airborne particles from exhausts and tyres 
• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change 

Top Tips for cycling to work 

• Lay everything out and pack your bag the night before. You will be less likely to forget something and more likely to do it even if the sky is a little grey.  

• Wear the right shoes and socks. Choose a comfortable rucksack and remember a change of clothes or footwear if necessary.  
• Lighten the load by keeping things at your destination when you can  
  (e.g. shoes or a second hairbrush). 
• Small waterproof bags will keep your belongings safe from rain, sweat, or spillages. If you carry food, make sure you use an appropriate container. 
• Safety first – always remember a lights and reflective clothing if you are commuting before dawn or after dusk. 
• Work out where you can shower or plan ahead with useful items like dry shampoo if you think you’ll need to freshen up. 

• Use a route planner to help ensure you are riding on suitable roads or paths. Your route might be a different journey to the one you would do in the car. Pick quieter roads, it will be safer and the air your breather will be healthier. Calculate how long it will take you to walk to make sure you have enough time in the mornings. 
• Team up with a friend or colleague to motivate each other and stay accountable. 
• Learn how to change your tyre and perform basic bike maintenance checks to keep you on the move.  

 Planning a safe cycle route

• Cycling UK have a journey planner on their website which allows you to search for the fastest or quietest route for your chosen journey - www.cyclinguk.org/journey-planner  
  (Accompanying article - www.cyclinguk.org/article/cycling-guide/where-theres-wheel-theres-way-planning-cycle-route-to-work) 
• Google maps has a built in cycling layer which highlights dedicated bike lanes, bike trails and cycle friendly roads - www.google.co.uk/maps  
• BCP Council area map shows routes recommended by cyclists, comprising signed routes, quiet roads, traffic-controlled areas and useful off-highway links, as well as details of the bike hire scheme and nearby parking - Cycle routes in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole | BCP
• Dorset Council interactive cycle map shows traffic-free cycle paths, signed on-road cycle routes, National Cycle Network (NCN) routes, leisure routes, advisory cycle routes, crossings, cycle parking and cycle shops. (currently covers Weymouth and Bridport areas with Bridport/Shaftesbury area coming soon) - Dorset Council interactive cycle map - Interactive Mapping Homepage 

Resources to support cycling 

• Bikeability is a cycle training programme, with a level to suit everyone that focuses on practical skills and understanding how to cycle on today's roads - www.bikeability.org.uk  
• Sustrans are a charity making it easier for people to walk and cycle. Their website has lots of useful information, articles and maps of the National Cycling Network routes - www.sustrans.org.uk  

• Interactive map of bike services - www.sustrans.org.uk/campaigns/bike-shops-near-me/ 
• Cycling UK is an independent organisations who’s mission is to enable millions more to cycle. Their website has lots of great information on getting into cycling - www.cyclinguk.org/beginners and has details of cycling clubs in Dorset www.cyclinguk.org/cycle/cycling-dorset  
• Love to Ride is a website which encourages people to cycle using monthly challenges and cycling tips - www.lovetoride.net  

www.lovetoride.net/uk/pages/info?locale=en-GB&page=3_tips  

British Cycling

British Cycling is the national governing body for cycling and their website has lots of great advice for cycling from beginners to more advanced. 

Tips for beginners

www.britishcycling.org.uk/knowledge/article/20200409-Get-Started-Cycling-Basics-0  

Guided rides:

  Let's Ride - HSBC UK Guided Rides (letsride.co.uk) 

• Dorset Cyclists Network is a charity set up to campaign for better cycling facilities in Dorset. It also runs guided rides around the county and if you join as a member (only £6 a year) you will receive a newsletter on what is going on - www.dcn.org  

Learning to ride or refreshing your skills

• Limited number of discounted vouchers for a 2hr tuition session. For adults living in the Dorset Council area.  
  www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/sport-leisure/cycling/adult-cycle-training-vouchers.aspx  

• Bikeability instructors who provide training in BCP area - www.bournemouth.gov.uk/AttractionsLeisure/SportsandActivities/cycling-training-for-adults.aspx  
• Dorset Council Health and Activity team offer 1-2-1 Cycling Tuition for adults and ‘Get Back in the Saddle’ refresher sessions - 01425 480811 www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/get-back-in-the-saddle  
• Active Dorset ‘Get Started Cycling’ Youtube playlist - www.youtube.com/channel/UCEs_KjLmLPooX82s5pnVekg