‘Free your bike this New Year’, says Sustrans

Sustrans has created an information pack to coax people to cycle over the Christmas and New Year period.

The sustainable transport charity’ ‘Free Your Bike’ pack provides free tailored cycle route information with safety advice, bike maintenance tips and National Cycle Network guide details.

Would-be cyclists can request a pack from www.freeyourbike.org.uk.

Co-ordinator of Sustrans’ Active Travel projects said: “January can often be a bleak month following the build up of Christmas and New Year celebrations, not to mention the dreaded ‘Blue Monday’ on January 25th which is deemed to be the most depressing day of the year. By cycling and walking to keep active during the cold season, the chances of feeling down in the dumps are greatly reduced.

“Surveys show that physically active people feel happier and more satisfied with life, so for anyone feeling the post-Christmas strain and in need of an inexpensive day out, try dusting off an unused bicycle or show off a new one to enjoy a leisurely ride along the many scenic routes on the National Cycle Network.”