Cycling in South Yorkshire
Get on your bike - the benefits of cycling
Thirty minutes of walking or cycling to work can reduce the risk of the following medical conditions:
- coronary heart disease reduced by 50%
- diabetes in adulthood reduced by 50%
- obesity reduced by 50%.
There are a few simple steps employers can take to make the workplace accessible by bikes, and encourage employees to cycle to work:
- managerial commitment
- secure cycle parking, preferably covered, and conveniently located
- changing, shower and storage facilities
- access to site via routes that are direct, safe, convenient and attractive to use
- providing pool bikes for short distance business travel and interest-free loans for employees to buy bikes
- starting up a B.U.G (Bicycle User Group) is a great way for employees to share information and spread the word.
To find out more, contact the following organisations:
- Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council - on 01226 772632
- Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council - on 01302 735669
- Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council - on 01709 822904
- Sheffield City Council - on 0114 273 4479
Walking in South Yorkshire
Walking has lots of health benefits - walking just one mile in 20 minutes uses as much energy as:
- running a mile in 10 minutes
- swimming breast stroke for 10 minutes
- playing football for 12 minutes
- cycling for 16 minutes
- doing aerobics for 16 minutes
- weight training for 17 minutes.
Visit the Travel and the Environment section of the website for information on alternative ways to travel around South Yorkshire.
Car sharing in South Yorkshire
Car sharing has many advantages. You can cut down on fuel costs and the wear and tear costs on your car. You can reduce stress by sharing the driving on the daily commute and help the environment by cutting pollution and congestion.
You can start your own car club in your organisation or community group or you can join Car Share South Yorkshire.
Air quality in South Yorkshire
There are a number of ways everyone can contribute to reducing air pollution. For example, by car sharing, using public transport, walking, and cycling. Here are some public transport facts:
- 90% of badly polluting vehicles can be re-tuned to sweeter performance in just 15 minutes. This will also save you money
- it could cost you £60 in fines if your vehicle fails a roadside emissions test.
You can find out more at the City Centre Clean Air Partnership website.