The Public Health Agency is urging people across Northern Ireland to 'put wheels in motion' for their health and get back on their bicycles this bike week (June 5-11).
Experts say just 30 minutes of exercise a day can help physical and mental health as well as wellbeing.
And that people will start to feel the health benefits by fitting cycling into their daily routine.
Read more: Call for School Streets Scheme builds as car journeys to school rise in NI
Gerard Walls, Senior Health and Social Wellbeing Officer at the PHA, said: "Cycling is growing in popularity because not only is it a fun and easy method of transport but it’s also a great way to get moving more and will help to improve your physical and mental health.
"This Bike Week the PHA would encourage as many people as possible, if they are able, to try cycling. It’s a fantastic way to get active as a family and with friends. Not only is it good for your health but by swapping some of your usual car journeys for cycling, it will be both kinder to the environment and, in today’s cost of living crisis, save you money on expensive fuel costs."
"If you’re nervous about getting started, don’t do it alone," he added. "Encouraging others to join you will also help and make it a more enjoyable social activity.
“And, if you are looking for an extra bit of motivation to get cycling, you can take part in the Active Travel Challenge which runs throughout the month of June. The challenge encourages people to leave the car at home in a bid to be more sustainable, save money and to boost physical and mental health.”
Whether it is a short trip to the shop, the school run or commuting work, the Active Travel Challenge encourages participants to switch up their usual routine and try walking, cycling or taking public transport as a cleaner, greener way to travel.
Anyone can sign up for free logging their active travel journeys on the online platform for a chance to win a of range prizes, including vouchers, travel tickets, gym passes and rewards with national and regional retailers.
Gerard continued: "We know that keeping physically active can improve our physical and mental health and wellbeing and quality of life, with as little as 30 minutes of moderate level physical activity most days of the week shown to help reduce anxiety, help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of developing chronic conditions such as heart disease, some cancers, type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis, while also improving our quality of sleep.
"Cycling is also extremely accessible to people of all ages and abilities and can be a great way to get active for those who may have joint issues who need and exercise that is low-impact.
"By becoming more active, you are also playing your part in protecting our environment reducing your carbon footprint with benefits for all of society."
For more tips and advice on getting active, setting yourself achievable targets and eating healthier, visit www.ChooseToLiveBetter.com
READ NEXT:
The Earth's Corr: Driving the kids to school does more harm than good
Pop-up cycle lanes in Belfast staying put says Nichola Mallon
The Earth's Corr: Free travel for kids the missing link on public transport
Details on £10m train station for Belfast's York Street set to open in 2023
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
