Gearing up for a new year
New year, new you! There’s a cliché we’ve all heard before. Making new years resolutions is easy; keeping them is the hard part. Lets face it, the words ‘new year’s resolution’ are hardly whispered come summer. So why not try something you might actually stick to – and enjoy?
Taking up cycling is an option! It’s a good alternative to unrealistic gym or healthy eating resolutions. More and more people are becoming aware of the benefits of cycling as a leisure activity and as a way of getting around. Cycling can help get you on the right track to fitness in 2014. Why not try a local cycling meet-up to get you started?
What can you expect?
Well first of all what exactly is a cycling meetup? A meetup is a local community of people who get together to share a mutual interest, in this case cycling.
Luckily, Scotland’s capital is full of cycling enthusiasts. In and around Edinburgh, local meetups organise numerous bike rides. Run by local cycling clubs, groups and individuals these meetups tend to be free of charge and open to everyone.
If you like the idea of cycling in friendly company, for fun or for fitness, you’re sure to find a meetup that’s right for you. The added benefit of a meetup is that the group leader will give you any cycling advice you need. You can also contact them to ask if the event you have chosen is appropriate for your experience and level of fitness. Then you can get ready to enjoy a great day out!
Here are some examples of meetups in Edinburgh:
- Lothian Cyclists Monday Madness – A sociable group who cycle at a moderate pace, usually with a lunch stop at a café or pub.
- Real time GPS tracking – Find out where the group is at any time, this is handy if you want to join in at a certain point or get lost!
Of course there are many types of cycle runs. To find out more about some of Edinburgh’s top cycle meetups visit http://www.meetup.com/Lothian-Cyclists/
But first things first – safety
Before you decide to cycle make sure that your bike is working properly and that you’re equipped with the proper safety gear, like a cycle helmet.
Here are some other simple safety tips you should follow:
- Always pay attention
- Make eye contact
- Stay back from HGVs
- Don’t cycle on the pavement
- Wear bright clothes
- Stay away from parked cars
- Use lights after dark
- Use appropriate signals
- Never wear headphones
Ready, set, cycle!
Riding a bike is a skill that stays with you for life. Most adults know how to ride a bike but after a long period of not cycling cycle training is an ideal way to get back your confidence and get the skills you need to cycle with ease. These training projects claim to “help boost the confidence of new and returning cyclists and give them the necessary skills to negotiate on-road journeys”. To find out more visit: http://www.cyclingscotland.org/our-projects/training-courses/cycle-training-for-adults
And finally…
Although riding a bike is fun, it’s important to remember that safety when cycling comes first. If you or anyone you know has the misfortune of being involved in a cycling accident contact an experienced personal injury solicitor immediately.