The benefits of cycling are well-known. It is one of the best ways of getting around, keeping fit and reducing your carbon footprint. Cycling certainly beats driving for travelling in ‘green’ style because it is fuel free and, apart from the initial purchase, cost free.  So how can you get more out of your cycling? If you are looking to improve your health then riding for short periods of time is a good form of exercise that burns fat and provides a great aerobic workout. Cycling strengthens muscles and above all else is a great mood lifter, and cycling at least twenty miles a week reduces the risk of heart disease to less than half that for non-cyclists who take no other exercise. Get cycling with the British Heart Foundation and raise money for a good cause whilst looking after your heart.

Beat the rush-hour and – if you are able – start your day by pedalling to work. If you are anxious about riding on busy roads, sign up for some of the cycling proficiency tests that are run around the country. Cycling is good for your wallet and you won’t have to pay out for road tax, MOT’s, insurance or breakdown recovery services, not to mention car parking charges. Find some biking buddies in your local area or form a group that supports people who need help in getting to grips with cycling where they can get advice and tips.

2010 marks the 15th anniversary of the National Cycle Network and since its inception in 1995 its length and popularity have grown enormously. It now carries more than a million walking and cycling journeys every single day. You can download a copy of the 2010 National Cycle Network map illustrating routes throughout the UK. Look out for their route numbering system with regional routes signposted showing a  white bicycle symbol on a blue background, with a white route number in an inset box, and national routes using a red background. The Network is made up of 12,600 miles of walking and cycling routes across the UK. This includes a mixture of quiet lanes, on-road routes and traffic-free paths that are often a great way to get to work, school, the shops or just for exercise and fun. The Network is available to everyone and passes within a mile of 57% of the population.

Love your bike, give it a bit of TLC and it will reward you with a reliable ride and allow you to get more out of your cycling. Give your bike the occasional wash and brush up, and while you are doing this listen out for any unusual squeaks that might indicate there is a problem that needs fixing. A good bike can last for decades, and pedal power is good for the planet!

Related posts:

1. Guest Post: Family Cycling in the UK
2. Summer Cycling

I regularly get teased about my love of boxes by my hubby, but I’m unrepentant and still love to pack stuff away in a variety of boxes, chests and cupboards. This week I’ve been looking at eco storage ideas for the home and have come up with a few real winners.

I love the clean lines of this toy box – the shape is contemporary, but it would be at home in almost any style of house.  Better still there is plenty of choice with 6 colours and 3 different sizes to choose from.  They are made from Finnish plywood from reponsibly managed forests and they are coloured with child friendly paint. Prices start at £129.95 and you can choose to have them personalised too for an extra charge.

Bikes are awkward, bulky things to store, but the Cycloc Bicycle Storage Rack could be the answer.  They’re designed and made in Britain from 100% recycled plastic. The Cycloc Rack screws to a wall, and your bike crossbar clicks securely into place so freeing up valuable floor space and using wall space that would otherwise be wasted.  Your bike’s frame is protected by soft rubber pads and you can store bike accessories inside.  If you want additional security, you can pass a chain lock through.  It’s priced at £59.99.

These solid teak laundry boxes are made  in India using exclusively 100% reclaimed and recycled teak wood. This wood is recovered from derelict buildings and then carefully cleaned up and reworked. They’re very practical – I have a couple at home.  You can use them as a laundry box or for a range of other uses – I use mine for storing spare bedding and towels.  They are priced at £149.

These recycled tyre boxes are really for those with a very modern interior design. Handcrafted from tyre tread, this is an environmentally friendly, but practical storage solution.  The tyre tread material is very durable and would be great for storing things in the garage or the shed too.  Available from Eco-Designer for £85.

Related posts:

1. Fair Trade Storage Box for Kids
2. Storage Baskets – Choice of 3
3. Eco Decorating Ideas