Cycling has become the most popular way to travel!
A whopping 1.3 million people in the UK purchased a bike in 2020, with nationwide lockdowns encouraging purchases – a 63% increase according to the British Cycling Association. Cycling became the lockdown activity – an easy way to get out and about on your own and a fun way to spend some outdoor time with the family. After a cold and dark winter, and with 1 in 5 adults likely to be suffering from depression during the pandemic (up from 1 in 10 pre pandemic)[1], it’s never been more important to take care of mind, body and soul – and get back on that bike!
Spring is here and with it some warmer weather and lighter mornings and nights – an ideal time to dig your bike out of the shed, pump up the tyres and get pedaling. Cycling makes you happy; it reduces stress[2], it reduces anxiety[3], it makes you more productive[4], and not to mention one looks pretty fly on a stylish city bike… AKA The Electra Loft (pictured).
The Loft is a modern city bike with the grit to handle whatever the streets throw at it and the grace to look good doing it. Lightweight but durable, the sleek design features fast-rolling 700c wheels and an upright riding position to give you more control on your commute to work, coffee run or whatever urban adventure you have in mind.
With a roadmap out of lockdown it’s important to look at all the benefits of cycling and focus on the positives this surge in popularity will bring. Cycling means less carbon emissions, less traffic congestion, and a healthier population — the essential ingredients that make people happier and less stressed out. In the World Happiness Report 2020, countries with high bicycle use tend to be among the happiest overall, like the Netherlands (ranked sixth; daily bike use: 43 percent), Denmark (ranked second; daily bike use: 30 percent), and Finland (ranked first; daily bike use: 28 percent).
With all the benefits of cycling, and social restrictions in place for a little longer, this spring really is the best time to get back in the saddle and keep pedalling. It’s time to ride, for mind, body and soul.
