While the Coronavirus pandemic continues to spread and chaos reigns, can cycling help?
If there is a silver lining to the COVID-19 and let’s be fair we could all do with a chink of positivity, however modest – it’s that there’s probably never been a better time to ride a bike.
Medical research dictates that getting in 30 to 60 minutes of moderate to brisk activity can help your immune system. So, if you’re one of the lucky ones and still have to get to work, then it’s prime opportunity to dust off the bike and embrace two wheels. Already I have noticed a growing number of locals embracing cycling to get around as their regular bus or train commutes have suddenly become fraught with potential hidden perils.
It’s safer to be outside than inside when it comes to disease transmission say medical professionals. However, maybe avoid large groups and continue to be vigilant around your personal hygiene
Adopting a more hygienic, climate friendly and people powered form of transportation should be something with adopt day to day anyway, but this crisis has only exacerbated the fragility of the local transportation systems.
It’s unsurprising that we are seeing a considerable increase in city dwellers across the world turning to cycling to minimise their exposure to Coronavirus and the local bike schemes have seen figures surge significantly.
Moving forward, local councils should be working with advocacy groups and local cycling clubs to promote the positives of pedalling in the hope new cyclists will continue to embrace local routes and leave the car at home. The more cyclists on the roads, the safer we will be.
Warwickshire County Council has already been progressive with their approach to cycling but it needs to do far more to protect cyclists and make the streets safer, especially with the surge in cycling as a result of coronavirus.
There is no telling whether this cycling boom will outlast this coronavirus outbreak, but for now, the combination of more bikes and a decrease in cars is creating greener and safer streets, and that’s something to smile about through the face mask!
Scot Whitlock
Editor, CADENCE Cycling Magazine
Whitlock McCann Media Ltd
Columnist at Dorset Eye and Leamington Courier
