Swapping car miles for e-bike miles has meant I've lost weight and reduced my resting heart rate by 6bpm – cycling is more accessible than you think

Richard's ebike on the Ridgeway trail with inset of Richard himself in helmet.

This morning, I ascended a two-mile climb on my favourite 20-mile route. My heart rate peaked at 159bpm – just over three times its resting rate.

I was riding an electric bike, using a moderate power setting; not long ago, I’d have completed the route in full-power mode with a similar heart rate. Later, I nipped to Asda for some groceries, adding to my riding today.