A healthier environment

We all know cycling is good for us, but using public transport to reach our chosen route, is a decision that is good for the environment too! The south east is blessed with a comprehensive public transport network which brings the countryside into easy reach of every one. Go on, give the car a holiday too and enjoy the view from the window of your seat on the bus, coach or train!

It is easy to plan your trip by public transport - visit Traveline which provides impartial journey planning information on all public transport services - buses, coaches, trains, ferries, trams, metro and underground - throughout England, Wales and Scotland.

If you're taking the train, a Network Card can get you up to a 1/3rd off most leisure fares. Visit National Rail for further information.

If you are taking your bike with you, some bus and coach companies do take bikes, use Traveline for further information. In more popular tourist areas such as the Surrey Hills AONB and the New Forest, special buses run out to popular destinations which will take bikes, space permitting.

If you don't have your own bike, or don't want to take your own bike with you, there are usually hire companies in most areas, and some will even deliver the bikes direct to your holiday accommodation.

Finally, the Environmental Transport Association offers free cycle recovery to it's members.

A healthier you

Cycling is one of the more comfortable forms of physical activity for those who are new to exercise, allowing most people to get fit easily and safely without undue physical strain. Cycling regularly not only improves your fitness, helping you live a long and healthy life, but riding a bike can help you maintain a healthy weight. As cycling is a low impact activity, it is one of the safest ways to exercise without risking over-exertion or muscle strain.

The pleasure and satisfaction gained from riding a bike - and just being out in the fresh air and enjoying the countryside - can also reduce anxiety, stress and depression.

Types of Bikes

There are three main types of bikes used for cycling:

Mountain Bikes

These are designed for off-road riding. They enable cycling over rough terrain due to heavy, durable tyres that are resistant to punctures.

Road bikes

These bikes are designed for touring and racing. They have lightweight wheels and tyres and are the most efficient bike for road riding.

Hybrid bikes

These fall somewhere between the other two - they have more sturdy wheels and tyres than road bikes so are capable of going on tracks but they are relatively lightweight compared to mountain bikes so they are more efficient on smoother surfaces. A good all round bike.