Cycling is one of the easiest ways to fit exercise into your daily routine because it's also a form of transport. It saves you money, gets you fit and is good for the environment.
 
Regular cycling can help you lose weight, reduce stress and improve your fitness. As a form of exercise, cycling appeals to lots of people. Everyone can enjoy cycling if they have the right equipment.
 
Cycling is the third most popular recreational activity in the UK. An estimated 3.1 million people ride a bicycle each month. It's a low-impact type of exercise, so it's easier on your joints than running or other high-impact aerobic activities. But it still helps you get into shape.
 
The NHS recommends the following physical activity levels:
 •Children under five should do 180 minutes every day.
 •Young people (aged 5-18) should do 60 minutes every day.
 •Adults aged 19 and above should do 150 minutes every week.
 
For example, someone who weighs 80kg (12st 9lb) will burn more than 650 calories with an hour’s cycle riding and tone their body. If you ride up hills or off-road, you'll also work your upper body.
 
Go Smarter is keen to increase cycle journeys to work, school and for leisure. Our aim is to reduce reliance on the private motor vehicle, in order to curb congestion, improve air quality and increase levels of physical activity.
 
As well as the cycling measures delivered through the Go Smarter programme, a range of other initiatives are underway to encourage cycling, with new investment in on and off-road cycle paths, more cycle parking and a range of free cycle maps covering Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Sunderland and South East Northumberland.
 
Cycle Smart

What is Cycle Smart?
 
Cycle Smart is a range of fully funded activities and support to help you get cycling to work.
 
What’s on offer?
 
We will be organising activities, events and promotions to help you get the most out of your bike. Some of the activities available include:
 
Dr Bike
We will be organising a programme of Dr Bike sessions in locations that are convenient for you.
Dr Bike carry out general safety checks, as well as minor repairs and alterations. If Dr Bike can't fix it they will give you a ‘bike prescription' to take along to your local bike shop.
 
Fix it Yourself
Fix it Yourself is a bike maintenance workshop for those who want to learn a bit more about looking after their bike. Content covers basic bike checks, puncture repair, brakes and gears. These courses will be organised throughout the year and are delivered by top mechanics.