“Get out of your car and on to your bike” author urges commuters

There are about 1.27 million cyclists in New Zealand – around 31% of the population – and 144,000 cycle nearly every day.

Alastair Smith, author of a coming book Everyday Cycling in Aotearoa New Zealand, thinks many more New Zealanders would cycle if they felt safe on the roads.

In reality, he points out, the very small risk of having an accident while cycling is greatly outweighed by the health benefits. “If only 5% of the New Zealanders who presently travel to work by car switched to cycling, there would be a $193-million saving in health costs,” Smith says.

A UK study found that people who took up cycling four days a week lost weight, felt better, had more self-confidence, handled stress better, slept more soundly, and reported having fewer medical problems. Other studies have shown that cycling lowers the risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and even breast and colon cancers.

Smith’s goal is to get more people to incorporate cycling in their everyday routine – for example, to commute to work. “That way you get the exercise you need without having to set aside extra time in your busy day.”

According to the 2006 Census, about 2.5% of all commuters presently go by bike.

“The most reliable way to get daily exercise is to build it into your commute. If you live within five kilometres of your workplace, you’ll be able to bike there in less than half an hour. If your commute is longer, you always have the option of cycling part of it and taking public transport for the remainder,” Smith says.

Everyday Cycling in Aotearoa New Zealand is the first complete handbook for commuter and recreational cyclists in New Zealand. It will be released by publisher Awa Press in time for Christmas, and should make an ideal Christmas present for someone who wants to start using a bike more regularly – to get to work, play, social engagements, and the shops.

It includes practical, road-tested information on bike selection and maintenance, clothing, riding skills and safety, as well as many recommended routes in major cities and towns, and has over 70 useful illustrations.

Alastair Smith is a leading advocate in Cycle Aware Wellington, and a highly experienced and committed cyclist, who has biked all over the world.
_______________________________________________________________________

Everyday Cycling in Aotearoa New Zealand will be published by Awa Press in mid November. RRP $35.