New Year’s Revolution
How many times have you made a New Year’s resolution to get fitter, make more time for yourself or be more eco-friendly? And how many times have you kept to them? Roger Wolstenholme thinks e-bikes could be the small change that makes a big difference
We’re all guilty of making New Year’s resolutions we won’t keep – we vow to get healthier while full of Christmas dinner and festive chocolate, but it becomes far less appealing when we’re faced with the sad salads and crowded gyms of January.
According to YouGov, nearly a quarter of Britons who made a resolution for 2020 failed to keep any of their promises. Mind you, who can blame them? 2020 was tough enough!
The problem is that achieving the results you want is often an arduous and unappealing process.
That’s where e-bikes come in.
E-bikes are electric-assisted pedal bikes. You ride them like any conventional bike, but they have a battery-powered drive system to give you a boost when you need it. This means they make the hills and valleys of our beautiful area more accessible to more people. They also make commuting to work by bike far more realistic and achievable. In fact, we even have a ‘bike to work’ scheme where you could save up to 42 per cent on your dream e-bike.
E-bikes mean you can go twice as far, with half the effort. You still need to pedal, but you no longer need to avoid Waddington Fell, for example. There are models to suit everyone, from absolute beginners to seasoned cyclists and off-road enthusiasts. We also have all the kit and accessories to suit your lifestyle, including kids’ seats.
According to British Cycling, regular cyclists enjoy the general health of someone approximately 10 years younger. A low impact exercise, it is much kinder on your joints than many other aerobic activities.
And it’s not just physical health, outdoor exercise can contribute to better mental health too. And in the dark, cold depths of January we should focus on mental wellbeing more than ever.
It may be cold, but there are still crisp days of winter sunshine to enjoy. Studies show that a little sun can contribute to being a healthier weight, enjoying improved sleep and lower blood pressure. Combine vitamin D and fresh air with the endorphins released during exercise and an e-bike ride is bound to put a spring in your step.
Swapping some car journeys for e-bike rides will have a positive impact on the health of the environment too. And following COP26, we all know how crucial that is.
As well as our hire centre in Dunsop Bridge, we’ve now opened a new Clitheroe shop. The town’s becoming a great hub for cyclists with all the bike and accessory shops we have. All offer different brands, services and price points, so keen cyclists (or wary newbies) can come and do the rounds, make their own comparisons and enjoy Clitheroe’s other attractions and cafes while they’re here.
The new shop, between Lidl and Howdens, stocks top brands like Haibike, Raleigh, LaPierre and Volt, including mountain bikes, road bikes and hybrid models, as well as beautifully engineered woom kids’ bikes.
So, we look forward to seeing you in January – and beyond!
Ribble Valley E-Bikes Ltd
Waterloo Road, Clitheroe BB7 1RA
Dunsop Bridge, Clitheroe BB7 3BB
01200 426246
