Cycling

Cycling is a great way to get around Ipswich if you don't have to travel too far, and it's an excellent way of keeping fit and healthy. With 58% of all car trips covering less than five miles the potential for cycling is huge. Cycling can provide a fast and efficient journey at very low cost.

Reasons to cycle

Cycling is good for you because:

• It is a fast and efficient form of transport

• The regular exercise provides many health benefits

• It is pollution free

• It is good fun

• It costs very little to purchase and maintain

• There is no additional cost for every journey made

Cycling the route to a healthier life

Employees who regularly cycle to work will generally be fitter than those that travel by car. Cycling into work is a good form of exercise and by incorporating it into your daily travel routine you are more likely to continue cycling. When done regularly it can:

• Half the chances of suffering from heart disease

• Helps to prevent strokes, diabetes and some kinds of cancer

• Lower your blood pressure and resting heart rate

• Increase the likelihood of you losing weight as you burn calories and raise your metabolic rate

• Exercise reduces stress and just makes you feel great

The British Medical Association have stated that cyclists have lower levels of stress, less risk of heart attack and a fitness level equivalent to someone 10 years younger.

For more information see

www.suffolk.gov.uk/TransportAndStreets/Cycling/

Walking

Walking is a mode of transport that the majority of us use already every day. Giving you a relaxing start to the day it is easy to fit into your daily life. It is a superb way of relieving stress and many people find that walking is a great way of winding down. Walking into work is also a great opportunity to manage your time.

The benefits of walking to you

• It's good for your health - body and mind

• It's free

• It's relaxing

• It's friendly to the environment

Walking the route to a healthier life

To gain the health benefits from walking you only need to walk briskly for 30 minutes each day. Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once you could break it up into two chunks of 15 minutes. Walking regularly for 30 minutes a day can:

• Half the chances of suffering from heart disease

• Help to prevent strokes, diabetes and some kinds of cancer

• Lower your blood pressure and resting heart rate

• Increase the likelihood of you losing weight as you burn calories and raise your metabolic rate

• Reduce stress and make you feel great

It will also make you feel better and you'll get to work feeling bright and awake.

Reasons to walk

Walking is probably one of the most reliable forms of transport in terms of the journey time - once you've walked the distance once, you know with some confidence that this is the time it will always take. It's also completely free and there is no requirement for any kind of equipment.