Everyone seems to be taking to their bikes these days. In Scotland, 43% more journeys were made by bicycle in the summer of 2020 than in 2019. The Covid lockdowns have had a big impact on the increasing popularity of cycling but there are a number of other factors that have contributed to the upward trend.
Environmental concerns and health and fitness are the two most likely reasons to take to your bike. Other reasons include: expensive and often overcrowded public transport, high costs of car ownership, and traffic congestion. This has led to more than 40% of Brits riding a bike at least once in the last 12 months
Blood, sweat and gears: 40% of the UK population cycled at least once in the last 12 months
There has been an explosion in the increase in electric bike sales led by commuters, but getting to work is only part of the bicycle boom. Lycra clad sports cyclists have taken to the roads, the mountains and the gravel tracks in their droves, and then the street and off-road trials cyclists, influenced by the brilliant Danny MacAskill, are doing jumps and tricks galore.
Whatever your age or your fitness levels, there is a cycling style to suit you. Long gone are the days of the simple choice between the penny farthing and the boneshaker.
Long before the electric bike burst on the scene, the running machine, bone-shaker and penny farthing were all milestones in the history of cycling
A quick look in any bike shop offers an enormous range of bikes, from mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, gravel bikes, touring bikes, folding bikes and more. There’s one for you – why not pack up your saddle bag and head out for a quick spin.
Relax in style after your next bike ride with a cuppa from your new favourite mug. There's lots to love in our collection of cycling mugs.
