Saddle up this Cycle to Work Day

Ahead of Cycle to Work Day on Thursday 1 August, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone to leave the car at home and hop on their bike to work.

By switching up your daily commute and choosing to cycle you can reap many benefits for your physical and mental health, and it is also better for the environment.

Gerard Walls, Senior Health and Social Wellbeing Officer at the PHA, said:

“Cycling to work is a great way to get moving and incorporate more physical activity into your daily routine. It’s also a fun and easy method of transport, allowing you to switch off and enjoy a journey that can be less stressful than travelling by car.

“You could also use it as an opportunity to catch up with a friend or colleague who is also interested in getting more active and cycle to work together. Many employers are also part of the Cycle to Work scheme which can help you save on the cost of a bike too.

“Making the small change of cycling to work can make a big difference to your overall health and wellbeing. Being more physically active can help you lead a healthier life while also boosting your mental health and helping to reduce your risk of developing chronic conditions such as heart disease, some cancers and type 2 diabetes.

“By becoming more active on the commute, you are also playing your part in protecting our environment by reducing your carbon footprint which will benefit us all for generations to come.”

For more tips and advice on getting active, setting yourself achievable targets and eating healthier, visit www.ChooseToLiveBetter.com.