Why cycling changed my life and how it can change yours

Ten minutes at high speed across Southwark Bridge between meetings; a leisurely ride to meet friends in a pub garden; quiet streets after dark on my way home from work. Every day of my cycling life is different, but one thing that’s always at the heart of cycling for me is the fantastic feeling of having time for myself. 

I started cycling regularly to save money, but soon fell in love with the feeling of independence it gave me

Cycling UK's chief executive, Sarah Mitchell

I started cycling regularly to save money, but soon fell in love with the feeling of independence it gave me. No more relying on buses stuck in traffic. No more waiting for a lift home. On my bike I was free to detour and meander, to call in at the shops on my home or vary my route when I got bored.

In the middle of the day, cycling between meetings is a welcome break, at the beginning and end of the day my cycle commute helps separate work from home. Cycling is also so much easier to fit into a busy day than a trip to the gym.

Bike Week is a great opportunity to share the different pleasures we all get out of cycling. From 30 May to 5 June I, along with many others around the UK will be celebrating how transformative cycling is. And for those newer to cycling, Cycling UK is keen to hear about your first cycling experiences, we even have some fabulous prizes available for those who take part by logging and sharing their ride. 

Please do take time this week to share your rides and what cycling means to you. I look forward to reading all about it.

Bike Week

Delivered by Cycling UK, Bike Week is the UK’s largest awareness raising week for cycling. From Sunday 30 May – Saturday 5 June, head out on your bike and celebrate just how brilliant it can be.

Be sure to share cycling photos online using #7daysofcycling and log your ride on the Bike Week website for a chance to win some fantastic prizes.

It is our mission to show just how simple and life-changing cycling can be when you make the switch and cycle more for everyday journeys.

So, whatever you do this Bike Week,  get out on your bike and have some fantastic fun.