Whether you're cycling to work or using a bike at home, pedal pushing is an easy way to get more active and it can quickly improve your fitness and energy levels.
Cycling to work is one of the easiest ways of fitting exercise into your day, and it’s good for people of any age or ability.
The growth of cycling in London is not seen elsewhere in Great Britain. It will also save you money on petrol or public transport.
You might even want to sign up to a virtual coast to coast cycle challenge by Diabetes UK.
You don’t have to spend lots to get on your bike. You may be able to get a discount on a new bike through the Cycle to Work scheme, which could save you 25-39 per cent on a bike and accessories
Arranged through your employer, you pay nothing upfront and the payments are taken from your salary by your employer in a way that saves you tax.
Or, if you’d rather not splash out cash on a new bike, check out websites like Gumtree, Etsy or eBay for second-hand ones.
There are rental bikes dotted around London that you can rent from 30 minutes through to 12 months. These are great if you want to try out cycling before you buy, with rentals starting from just £2.
The rental bikes are handy if you fancy a quick jaunt around London’s canals or many cycle paths and public parks.
So why not try some pedal power to help with your diabetes? The NHS has produced a guide on starting cycling that can help you.
With nearly 40,000 cyclists in London, it’s easy to find a safe cycle journey near you. Cycle Street lets you type in your start and end postcode and safely plan the best route for you.
The city’s network of bike lanes is getting bigger and better. This Tube-style map shows you how they all connect together, and will also tell you which parks are bike friendly.
