Here at Mycle, we are passionate about trying to reduce emissions so that we can make our world a happier and healthy place for ourselves and future generations. That's why we focus on everyday Utility ebikes that help make cycling with passengers and cargo easier and more fun. But we often hear from customers who are a little nervous about cycling with so much traffic on the roads - excessive car use is the exact problem we're trying to reduce. So we made it our mission to find out what local councils are doing to make commuting by bike that little more friendlier. Read on to find out more and whether your town made the top 10 (or the worst 10) cycling friendly places in the UK!
The top 10 e-bike commuter cities:
On the bottom end of the list, we found West Yorkshire still needed to make more progress to become more e-bike commuter friendly, with Leeds, Wakefield and Bradford ranked among the bottom 10.
A spokesperson for Leeds City Council comments on the matter, “Our Connecting Leeds Transport Strategy vision is for Leeds to be a city where you don’t need a car. Increasing cycling is a key component of this. The vast majority of our residential areas are 20mph zones and we will have completed a comprehensive network of cycling routes in the city centre next year. To support this significant investment, we have also launched Leeds City Bikes, an e-bike hire scheme with a 515 strong fleet increasing to 655 in the summer.”
Why is it important for a town or city to be e-bike friendly
Being e-bike friendly is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it promotes sustainable transportation, helping to reduce carbon emissions and alleviate traffic congestion. E-bikes also offer an accessible and healthy mode of transport for people of all ages and fitness levels. By creating e-bike friendly infrastructure, such as dedicated lanes and charging stations, communities can encourage more people to choose e-bikes for their daily commute or leisure activities.
Why is it important to get cars off our UK Roads
Carbon emissions in the UK are contributing to several harmful effects, including Climate Change and air pollution, making us and our works less healthy. We understand that not everyone has the capacity to change their car for an e-bike, but with 75% of commutes to work are recorded to only 10 miles long, if we can commit to using our bikes more for short journeys, this reduction in carbon emissions will be essential to mitigating these harmful effects and safeguard the environment. Not only that, but cycling by e-bike is a fun and productive way to start and end the day, you don't have to worry about parking or being stuck in traffic jam after traffic jam!
What are the benefits of cycling over driving
Cycling offers numerous benefits compared to driving, including:
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Improved Health: Cycling is a great form of exercise that helps improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and increase flexibility and stamina. Regular cycling can also help in weight management and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
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Reduced Pollution: Cycling produces zero emissions, unlike driving, which emits harmful pollutants such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. By choosing to cycle instead of drive, individuals can help reduce air pollution and improve air quality in their communities.
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Reduced Traffic Congestion: Cycling can help reduce traffic congestion and alleviate pressure on road infrastructure. By choosing to cycle for short trips, individuals can help reduce the number of vehicles on the road, leading to smoother traffic flow and shorter commute times for everyone.
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Cost Savings: Cycling is a cost-effective mode of transportation. Unlike driving, which requires the purchase of fuel, maintenance, insurance, and parking fees, cycling incurs minimal ongoing costs. While there may be an initial investment in purchasing a bicycle and accessories, the long-term savings can be significant.
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Improved Mental Well-being: Cycling has been shown to have positive effects on mental health, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Cycling outdoors also provides an opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the surrounding environment, which can further enhance mental well-being.
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Convenience and Accessibility: Cycling is a convenient and accessible mode of transportation that can be used for short trips, commuting to work or school, running errands, or leisure activities. With the availability of bike lanes, bike-sharing schemes, and bike-friendly infrastructure in many cities, cycling has become an increasingly viable transportation option for people of all ages and abilities.
Why choose an e-bike over a traditional bike?
There are several compelling reasons why someone might choose to buy an e-bike over a traditional bike. Firstly, e-bikes offer electric assistance when pedaling, making cycling easier and more accessible, especially for those who may struggle with hills or long distances. This assistance also allows riders to travel at higher speeds with less effort, making e-bikes a practical and efficient mode of transportation for commuting or running errands. Additionally, e-bikes are a great option for those who want to arrive at their destination feeling fresh and without breaking a sweat. With the ability to haul heavier loads and cover longer distances, e-bikes offer versatility and convenience that traditional bikes may lack. Overall, e-bikes provide all the benefits of cycling with the added advantage of electric assistance, making them a smart and practical choice for riders of all ages and abilities.
What are low traffic neighbourhoods and why are they important?
Low Traffic Neighborhoods (LTNs) offer several benefits, including reduced traffic congestion, improved air quality, safer streets, increased physical activity, stronger communities, and environmental sustainability. By prioritizing people over cars, LTNs help create more livable, vibrant, and sustainable neighborhoods for everyone.
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Reduced Traffic Congestion: By restricting through-traffic in residential areas, LTNs can significantly reduce traffic congestion, making streets safer and more pleasant for pedestrians and cyclists.
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Improved Air Quality: LTNs help reduce air pollution by decreasing the number of vehicles on the road and encouraging more sustainable modes of transportation such as walking, cycling, and public transit. This leads to cleaner air and better respiratory health for residents.
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Safer Streets: By reducing the volume and speed of traffic, LTNs create safer streets for pedestrians, cyclists, and children playing outdoors. This can help reduce the number of accidents and injuries, making neighborhoods more livable and family-friendly.
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Encouragement of Active Travel: LTNs promote walking and cycling by creating safer and more inviting environments for these modes of transportation. This can lead to increased physical activity, improved public health, and reduced dependency on cars.
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Community Benefits: LTNs help create stronger, more connected communities by encouraging social interaction, outdoor activities, and neighborhood events. Residents may feel more inclined to spend time outdoors, meet their neighbors, and participate in local initiatives, leading to a greater sense of community cohesion.
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Environmental Benefits: By reducing car usage and promoting sustainable transportation options, LTNs help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. This contributes to a healthier environment and a more sustainable future for all.
We're actively working towards a sustainable future
Not only are we actively promoting our message to encourage more people to cycle by e-bike than drive over on our instagram, but we recently partnered with ecologi to enable us to plant a tree for every bike sold through our website. We've already funded over 3500 trees!
Our Range of Mycle E-bikes
All our staff at Mycle are passionate about what we do and are happy to help should you have any questions. But if you want a great place to start, why not compare our Mycle models on our e-bike comparison site.
Remember, if you own an e-bike be Charge Safe with the top battery fire safety advice from London Fire Brigade by reading here.
