New campaign to encourage cycling in post-lockdown routines

Bike-sharing and micro-mobility company Beryl has launched a new campaign to encourage cycling as lockdown eases across the UK. 

The Better By Bike campaign will introduce a number of local promotions by working with local council partners in Bournemouth, Poole, Hereford, Norwich, Watford and London. 

Cycling has increased since the lockdown began, with bicycle manufacturers and shops across the UK reporting a boom in demand. Beryl is hoping to build on this momentum by offering free or heavily discounted rides in post-lockdown life. 

Herefordshire Council plans to extend their current cycling promotion with more bikes and free journeys. The programme will begin with an extension of the free key worker access for NHS, School, Police and Civil Service staff and will continue with a wider public promotion. 

Beryl has also collaborated with Norfolk County Council on their Pushing Ahead Programme which aims to aid economic recovery through cycling. 

According to Beryl, if 1,000 people took to bikes in Norwich, this would provide an economic boost of around £31,00 and a carbon saving of 2.2 tonnes.

The promotion will run as more shops begin to open, the aim is to enable a socially distant and environmentally friendly return to the highstreet. 

CEO of Beryl, Philip Ellis said: ‘We are thrilled at the high level of support and enthusiasm shown by our local partners to help lower the barrier to cycling for many.

‘68% of car journeys in the UK are under 5 miles. A quarter are under one mile. Cycling isn’t the option for all trips – but by making the switch for short journeys, people can free up valuable space on public transport, reduce congestion on our roads and make streets safer.’

In related news, new research has shown that cycling and walking to work lowers the risk of cancer, heart disease and death.

Photo Credit – Beryl