CONNECTIONS to HEALTH

On yer Bike! With the arrival of spring a young man's fancy turns to… Well, in my case, exercise. Cycling is a great form of aerobic exercise with low impact, which, as Chiropractors, we think is jolly important. Some of you know Sue and I got new bikes for Christmas and we are already out on them enjoying the delights of spring. What you may not know is that our new bikes are electric ones! Further more they look like proper bikes and not mopeds so no-one will ever know our little secret. Doesn't that defeat the object of exercise? Surely a conventional bike will keep you fitter? That, of course, depends how much - if at all - you use it. Research has found that 46% of conventional bikes are used only once or twice a week, with a further 30% being used once a fortnight or even less. By contrast, a recent survey of electric bicycle owners reveals that a third ride their bike at least once a day and 81% use the bike at least once a week. The figures confirm our experience that an electric bike typically gets used at least twice as often as a conventional machine. Because riding an electric bike is a great deal more enjoyable in hilly country, into strong winds, or when carrying heavy loads, users tend to make better use of them. The motor provides up to half the effort, but more regular use means more exercise for the rider. Why electric bikes? People like to ride electric bikes because they: - enjoy the feeling of riding a bicycle - except for hills, starts, and headwinds prefer their local errands to be easy, slow paced and scenic like to save money, meet new people, and protect the environment look for extra chances to exercise - even if it is just a little still need convenient, point-to-point transportation after losing their driving privileges. ability to take part in environmental protection the possibility of realising important economies want their own traffic "lane", convenient parking spots and shortcuts considered a gas-powered moped or small motorcycle, but dislike the noise, smell, starting problems and special laws environmental protection. have the chance to arrive at their work without having perspired. deserve more fun and freedom in their lives. with the ever increasing rise in FUEL prices can control their own budget Electric Bikes suit modern life-styles Electric Vehicles - A versatile transport For a versatile transport solution to modern living, electric or motorised bikes offer many advantages, bringing truly low-cost powered transport and an answer to the fitness challenges of twenty-first century living. The costs of running an electric bike There are no worries with prices at the pumps. Relatively cheap mains power and rechargeable batteries, plus the rider's energy contribution to locomotion, means that the overall cost per mile is only a fraction of conventional powered two wheelers. Electric Bicycle - For pleasure and leisure Riding an electric bike brings all the outdoor cycling enjoyment without the strain. Users can balance pedal effort with the electric power contribution, to suit their preferences. Electric Bikes - About town commuting For the employee wanting to avoid arriving at work in a sweat, the relatively effortless experience of power assisted cycling is a welcome relief. With speeds of up to 15mph on assisted power or motor, electric bikes can make headway on town roads. Where congested roads provide cycle lanes, the electric bike is "king of the road". Electric Bikes and fitness At first glance the electric bike appears to offer less fitness potential compared with a standard cycle. However, as the powered bike gives a better performance, shorter journey times, and extends a cyclist's comfortable range, there is far more reason to use it in place of a car. More frequent use contributes to overall health by bringing the benefits of regular cardiovascular exercise. Better than Cycling for Commuters For local travel to work cycling is a healthy choice, but as shower facilities are rarely provided in the workplace, arriving in a sweat is an unsatisfactory option. Here electric bikes have the edge, as riders can adjust their efforts, to stay cool. Commuters who travel with assisted power enjoy cycling that feels effortless, and then take exercise on the return journey home. Tackling challenges and longer journeys One of the disadvantages of cycling is the negotiation of hills. Electric bikes help take the strain, creating a more effortless climb. The improvement to individual performance that electric bikes give, mean that longer journeys can feel like a short-run. In harmony with the environment Where users aim to make the most of their own energy, a broad range of gears is ideal, reducing reliance on motor power to maintain a reasonable pace or climb. Electric bikes help users to get full use of their own cycling skills and physical energy, while providing extra energy whenever needed. PowaCycles are ideal for modern living, in harmony with the environment. Who benefits from an Electric Bike? Commuters - Who like to cycle, yet arrive fresh at work by using assisted power, and burn off energy cycling on the home run. Leisure Users - Who aim to cover greater distances and explore the countryside with ease. About Town Travel - With cycle lanes and cycle paths, users have more travel route options, and for some journeys, travel could be quicker than by car. Health & Fitness - An electric bike offers a healthy alternative to a car journey, and improves the pace and distance of a cycle. Local Shoppers - Leave the car at home, save effort fighting for a parking space. Tackling Hills - For a steep climb, power assistance can keeps the rider on the bicycle. Knee Joint Sufferers - Where pedalling is not easy an electric bike takes the strain. Keen Environmentalists - Electric bikes keep urban pollution to a minimum. Older People - Who love cycling and value the extra energy that electric cycles give. Economy Users - No Licence, No insurance, No MOT and No worries over petrol prices. No Driving Licence - Due to age, ill-health, or a ban, an electric bike will get you back on the road. Shop Local We got Trevor Greenwood, of Stone's "The Bike Shack", to get our bikes for us. He has them in his shop in Radford Street, so if you're interested in trying one out, go and see Trevor for a test ride. You'll find his experience and advice first rate and he will give you great service and after care.  They have gents and ladies models. If you're not close enough to come in and see Trevor try your local bike dealer. There are many types of electric bike available, and the only advice we would give is to make sure the battery is a lithium polymer one as they are lighter and more powerful. We laugh at Yarlet Bank. Ha Ha Ha Ha! See you on the road.

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