Get on your bike in brighter evenings

With the Giro d’Italia just six weeks away and the clocks wheeling forward an hour on Sunday 30 March, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone to get on their bikes in the brighter evenings.

Mary Black, Assistant Director for Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement at the PHA, said: “The stretch in the evenings means we have more time to get involved in physical activity, whether it’s going for a walk with the dog, kicking a ball in the park or getting out on the bike.

“Cycling in particular is one of the best forms of exercise as it is something that almost anyone of any age can do. Being a low-impact exercise it’s easier on your joints than some other exercises and you can also build it in to your daily routine, for example, using it as a form of transport to and from work.

“Many employers offer ‘Cycle to Work’ schemes which can reduce the cost of buying a bike and equipment, so even if you haven’t cycled for years, you might be able to get back on two wheels for less than you think. A second-hand bike is also a great option to keep down costs.”

The benefits of regular physical activity are wide-ranging, and not only can it reduce the risk of developing illness such as heart disease and many cancers, but it can also have a positive impact on your mental health by reducing anxiety.

The Giro d’Italia’s ‘Grande Partenza’, or ‘Big Start’, gets one of the world’s premier cycle races under way on Friday 9 May in Belfast and will feature three stages in three days.

Mary continued: “The Giro d’Italia will be a great spectacle of elite sporting excellence. You don’t need to be vying for the leader’s pink jersey to follow in the footsteps of the world’s top cyclists – even a little exercise can improve your wellbeing.

“Over the dark winter months, it is easy to get stuck in a rut, watching TV, playing computer games and generally being less active, but with the arrival of the brighter nights, we have a perfect opportunity to get out and excise more.

“It is also important to set an example for our children – if they are involved in sport and physical activity early in life, it increases the likelihood of them staying physically active for the rest of their lives.”