Depending on which Wikipedia article you read, the bicycle is a pedal-driven, human-powered vehicle invented in the early 19th century by either a Scottish blacksmith or a German Baron.
According to recent statistics, there are over one billion bikes in the world, outnumbering cars by two to one.
But are we really using them to get around? At a time of soaring fuel prices, have you considered the option of investing in a bike instead of a car?
The numbers of cyclists in the Sheffield community is still below the national average. Yet a scheme run by the City Council might be set to change that. Established in 2005, ‘Pedal Ready’ is offering free introductory two-hour cycling sessions to all Sheffield residents.
Having not ridden a bike for over four years (unless you count burning calories on the cycling machine at the gym), I thought it was about time to banish my fears, don my helmet and brace the open road.
Cars, buses and trams dominate the city centre landscape, not to mention the rather intimidating hills.
Thankfully my cycling instructor, Ken Woodhouse, is on hand ti reassure me that I will be safe.
“I don’t think cycling is inherently dangerous, although the media present it in that way. It’s about having confidence on the road. Whenever I see cyclists, often students, performing dangerous manoeuvres, I think it would be good to give them a lesson,” he says.
True to his word, after a lesson with Ken, I’m signalling correctly, checking for oncoming traffic, braking well and incorporating U-turns assertively. Granted, I don’t venture into the bustling city centre, but my confidence is sky high. Better still, I’ve burnt enough calories to constitute a serious workout.
But did the session convert me to this cycling lark or am I going to rely on the pavement for now? As a student, I’m entitled to another free lesson, which I may well take advantage of. Ken believes that after that, I should have all the tools to become a confident cyclist.
So come on Sheffield; get on your bike. It’s cheap, environmentally friendly, and great exercise. Plus you never know; you might even enjoy yourself.
For more information, visit http://www.pedalready.co.uk or call 0114 241 2775.
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Cycling in Sheffield: The facts
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