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Welcome to the clubMost cyclists are "utility" cyclists where the bike is a way of getting from A to B, and getting some exercise is an added bonus. Nearly three-quarters of journeys people make are of five miles or less, and these could be acheived by most people.1 On reasonably flat ground you will soon be able to cover at least four to six miles in half an hour - faster than cars in many towns and cities. 
But if you've been bitten by the bike bug you may want to do more with your cycling, for example long-distance riding, competitive racing or mountain biking. If so, there are many local and national clubs and associations that can be very helpful. If you would like to improve your fitness by making long rides to work or start long-distance leisure cycling (where you can cover between 30-50 miles in a day), obtaining traffic-free routes or cycling with fellow enthusiasts can help. For more information on local clubs and cycle routes, please visit the Cyclists Touring Club website (see below). If you're feeling more competitive, how about road racing? These can be against other cyclists or against the clock and are normally organised by local racing clubs. The British Cycling website (see below) has a calendar listing a range of races around the country. Or it might be that you're more of an open spaces, thrill-seeking individual with a taste for adventure. In which case, mountain biking may well be for you: speeding down specially made trails on the side of hills, leaping over dips and jumping over obstacles. The British Cycling, Mountain Biking Wales, Highland Mountain Biking Association and Trail Cyclists Association websites have information on clubs for mountain biking (see below). The more active you are as a cyclist, the more likely you are to increase your health benefits. But, whichever form of cycling you choose to pursue, remember to have fun while you're doing it. As you are whizzing past drivers stuck in a queue, or flying along a mountain track, remember not only are you having great fun but you are getting fit at the same time! One way to enjoy cycling is to use routes that are free from cars and lorries. There are now more than 8,000 miles of traffic-free cycle routes in the UK and there will be some near you. Please see our next article: "Cycle routes" for more information. Next articleFurther information
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