Benefits
One rough calculation suggests that new cyclists covering short distances can reduce their risk of death (mainly due to the reduction of heart disease) by as much as 22 per cent.
Almost two thirds of adults and a third of children are either overweight or obese. Without action, these figures will rise to almost nine in ten adults and two thirds of children by 2050 (Foresight Report 2007). A 15-minute bike ride five times a week burns off the equivalent of 11 pounds of fat in a year!
Intermediate and advanced off-road cycling can exercise a wide range of muscles such as those in the upper body due to the need to move the bicycle around underneath you.
Many people find that cycling does make joints such as knees and hips hurt and is often enjoyed by people who find running and walking uncomfortable. This is because cycling is low-impact on the joints, minimising the shocks that sports such as running can put on the body.
Sport England Guidance
Sport England is the government agency responsible for developing a world-class community sport system. Sport England has a target of getting 200 000 more people in the south west achieving 3 x 30 minutes moderate exercise per week by 2012. Sport England is the key funding body for the 1SW project as it believes that off-road cycling is attractive to a wide audience and will help many people achieve or better this target.
To find out more about the work of Sport England and it's participation targets for a more active and healthier population in England click here.