Cycling has enjoyed a massive resurgence - but is it likely to change as we enter the new normal?

Cycling has enjoyed a massive resurgence and become more popular than ever during lockdown, as people dusted off their old bikes to enjoy the outdoors when they are taking their daily exercise.Cycling has enjoyed a massive resurgence and become more popular than ever during lockdown, as people dusted off their old bikes to enjoy the outdoors when they are taking their daily exercise.
Cycling has enjoyed a massive resurgence and become more popular than ever during lockdown, as people dusted off their old bikes to enjoy the outdoors when they are taking their daily exercise.
Cycling has enjoyed a massive resurgence and become more popular than ever during lockdown, as people dusted off their old bikes to enjoy the outdoors when they are taking their daily exercise.

And now with people returning to work, increasing numbers of are planning to commute by bike. This is great to avoid using public transport and spares using the car, saving both money and pollution.

But how is cycling likely to change as we enter this new normal?

Will it last?

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Catherine BedfordCatherine Bedford
Catherine Bedford

I believe that once people realise the benefits of cycling, they’ll be happy to carry on. For a start, if you’re cycling to work, you’re getting your daily exercise in the time when you would previously have been sat on a bus or a train. This, in turn, saves you time going to the gym in the evening, freeing up time for you to spend with your loved ones.

Plus, people are happier in their locality when cycling. As they move more slowly through their commute; with their eyes concentrating on the route and not a device or newspaper; they can learn more about the local area, spy shops and cafes that they might like to visit or find a green spot that they might like to go to with family at the weekend. You can also get some good old-fashioned fresh air.

What about safety?

It’s important to be safe and being as visible as possible to other road users is essential. But this doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Cyclists should ensure they’re legal and as safe as they can be while sticking within their budgets.

For example, you don’t have to be clad head-to-foot in day-glow to be seen – a high-visibility sash that you can wear over your coat, and costs as little as around £8.00, will still ensure you are seen.

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Although helmets are not legally required, they really are extremely important for safety. If you aren’t a fan of the traditional helmet shapes, there are some nice stylish ones out there these days!

New cyclists probably haven’t realised yet that there are more routes than they would have imagined where they can cycle away from cars. There are cycle lanes to help keep you safe and there will be more as, post-Covid, the government is planning to invest in further infrastructure

What will change in cycling fashion?

I think that as people cycle more there will certainly be a move towards more natural fibres. For people commuting to work, this will help ensure that they don’t arrive at their workplace hot and sweaty. People will be far keener to wear cotton than polyester, for example.

Certainly, already popular is wicking fabrics, which are breathable and help to wick away sweat. You may be surprised how much wicking fabric you already own. The chances are your trendy yoga gear is fine for getting on a bike with.

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I would always go for comfort over fashion but, if you want to be a fashionable cyclist, there’s plenty of great, stylish fashion-wear out there and I think as people get more used to cycling as a way of life, they will find their own cycling style. Also, when new cyclists realise how much money they are saving on car expenses or bus and train costs, they might start to invest those savings in specialist or stylish kit. Everyone should pick and choose what works for their own cycling journey.

Scandi-style

If we consider the Netherlands, cycling is a much more relaxed pastime. They go at sensible speeds and enjoy their surroundings as they cycle, arriving at the destination without being out of breath or sweaty.

Also, as we learn our routes and realise that they’re probably much more direct than the road or tube routes we have been so accustomed to, we’ll find our journeys are not as long as we have thought they would be.

I think we’ll become much more like the Scandinavians in our cycling. I also suspect our style will follow suit, away from stereotypical cycling clothes towards more stylish looks. If you are one of the new or returning cyclist, I have one thing to say: Enjoy!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Catherine Bedford is Founder of Dashel. Dashel offers a range of slim, ventilated, lightweight cycle helmets manufactured in the UK. With a distinctive urban feel Dashel Helmets are made from recyclable materials – ensuring that they are low impact at the point of manufacture and produce very little waste at the end of life. The new Re-Cycle helmet will be ground down into new helmets at the UK factory when it is finished with.

Web: www.dashel.co.uk

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