Latest news with #CycletoWorkDay
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cyclist rides 77 miles to Glasgow for disability appeal
A cyclist set off on a 3am ride from East Lothian to Glasgow city centre to raise funds for a disability appeal. Mark Camburn, a charity worker, rode from Drem to the city centre as part of an epic 77-mile journey for the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF). He was joined on the final stretch by colleague Mari Everett, who lives in Paisley. (Image: Supplied) Mari said: "I'm a passionate cyclist and ride to work in all weathers, all year. "However, I've never done a cycle to work as far as Mark has. Read more: 'We just have to keep working' - Brendan Rodgers issues Celtic transfer update "It was a great pleasure to join the final leg of their journey from Kirkintilloch to SCIAF's offices in Glasgow." The ride was organised to mark Cycle to Work Day and raised £1,000 for SCIAF's appeal supporting people with disabilities who find it more difficult to access services. Mari said: "Fundraising and donations to charities at the moment are so important – the need is so high, so I'm delighted to hear that £1,000 was raised from generous sponsors. (Image: Supplied) "But we need more support desperately, as the need around the world is so high." Mark, 42, set off before dawn and still managed to make it in for his first meeting of the day. He said: "The cycle was a ridiculous idea – and a huge challenge for me. "The adrenaline was pumping at 3am, with the excitement of what was to come. "But the reality really sunk in as the sun came up, and I realised how far we had to go. "My eyes were as heavy as my legs." His route took him through Edinburgh, Linlithgow, Falkirk, Kilsyth, and Kirkintilloch, through Bishopbriggs before reaching Glasgow. He was joined for the final miles by colleagues, including SCIAF chief executive Lorraine Currie. He said: "While I was cycling, I was thinking about the challenges families face in the communities SCIAF works. "In places like Malawi and Ethiopia, women and girls spend hours every single day walking miles and miles just to collect water. "In Gaza and Ukraine, where SCIAF are providing emergency relief, the challenges they face every day are incomprehensible. "It really put things into perspective for me."
Glasgow Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
East Lothian to Glasgow cycle raises £1k for SCIAF
Mark Camburn, a charity worker, rode from Drem to the city centre as part of an epic 77-mile journey for the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF). He was joined on the final stretch by colleague Mari Everett, who lives in Paisley. (Image: Supplied) Mari said: "I'm a passionate cyclist and ride to work in all weathers, all year. "However, I've never done a cycle to work as far as Mark has. Read more: 'We just have to keep working' - Brendan Rodgers issues Celtic transfer update "It was a great pleasure to join the final leg of their journey from Kirkintilloch to SCIAF's offices in Glasgow." The ride was organised to mark Cycle to Work Day and raised £1,000 for SCIAF's appeal supporting people with disabilities who find it more difficult to access services. Mari said: "Fundraising and donations to charities at the moment are so important – the need is so high, so I'm delighted to hear that £1,000 was raised from generous sponsors. (Image: Supplied) "But we need more support desperately, as the need around the world is so high." Mark, 42, set off before dawn and still managed to make it in for his first meeting of the day. He said: "The cycle was a ridiculous idea – and a huge challenge for me. "The adrenaline was pumping at 3am, with the excitement of what was to come. "But the reality really sunk in as the sun came up, and I realised how far we had to go. "My eyes were as heavy as my legs." His route took him through Edinburgh, Linlithgow, Falkirk, Kilsyth, and Kirkintilloch, through Bishopbriggs before reaching Glasgow. He was joined for the final miles by colleagues, including SCIAF chief executive Lorraine Currie. He said: "While I was cycling, I was thinking about the challenges families face in the communities SCIAF works. "In places like Malawi and Ethiopia, women and girls spend hours every single day walking miles and miles just to collect water. "In Gaza and Ukraine, where SCIAF are providing emergency relief, the challenges they face every day are incomprehensible. "It really put things into perspective for me."
Time of India
6 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Cycle to Work Day: Surprising health benefits of cycling and why you should be turning it into a regular habit
Cabs and subways are too generic; take out your cycles (or, bikes) and hit the pavement (or, sidewalks) as you set out for work today. Why? Because it is 'Cycle to Work Day' today, and what's the fun in skipping observing a fun day that doubles up as a health-conscious occasion! What is Cycle to Work Day? Cycle to Work Day is an annual event aimed at encouraging people to ditch their cars or public transport and cycle to work instead. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Marked on August 7, this day is a growing global movement encouraging people to swap four wheels for two. But this day is more than just a trendy hashtag or eco-friendly challenge; it's a gateway to a healthier, happier life. From trimming belly fat to boosting your mood, cycling delivers a long list of science-backed benefits that go far beyond just getting from point A to B. Supported by local councils, fitness brands, and environmental groups, this day is about showing how easy and enjoyable it can be to ride your bike to the office. But the buzz around cycling isn't just environmental, it's deeply personal, too. As per experts, regular cycling can lead to profound improvements in your body, brain, and even your bank account. How? Let's take a look. Cycling boosts heart health One of the biggest health benefits of cycling is improved cardiovascular fitness. According to a published in the British Medical Journal, people who cycled to work had a 46% lower risk of developing heart disease compared to non-cyclists. They also had a 41% lower risk of dying from it. That's a massive difference for such a simple change in routine. Cycling gets your heart rate up, improves blood circulation, and helps reduce blood pressure, all key ingredients for a healthy heart. According to the World Health Organization, adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, a target easily hit by cycling to work 20-30 minutes each way. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Cycling helps in weight management What's a better workout than one that doesn't even feel like a workout, but leaves you with all the benefits and more? If losing weight is on your radar, cycling could be your best-kept secret. Just 30 minutes of moderate cycling burns around 300 calories, depending on your speed and weight. But unlike the gym, cycling doesn't always feel like exercise and is low-impact and gentle on the joints. This makes it ideal for people of all ages and fitness levels, and as you're getting from point A to B, your brain focuses on the ride, not the effort. That makes it easier to stay consistent, especially for people who don't enjoy traditional workouts. Imagine a daily ride to and from work that doesn't feel like a chore, helping you torch over 3,000 calories a week, that's nearly one pound of fat! It's a win-win! Cycling boosts your mood and brainpower Cycling is a proven brain-booster. A showed that people who cycled to work reported better mental well-being, lower stress, and higher energy levels than those who drove. That's because physical activity like cycling helps your body release endorphins and serotonin, the feel-good chemicals that fight anxiety and depression. It also increases blood flow to the brain, improving focus, memory, and creativity. Next time, you need to clear your head before a meeting or after a long day? A short ride can work better than a cup of coffee. Cycling is great for mental health and stress relief Feeling anxious, burned out, or mentally foggy? Cycling can help clear your mind. A from Lancet Psychiatry found that people who cycle regularly report lower levels of depression and stress. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, the brain's 'feel good' chemicals, and cycling outdoors adds the bonus of sunlight, fresh air, and a sense of freedom. On top of that, why not take some time off to unplug from screens and connect with nature or your thoughts? Cycling promotes better sleep and more energy Regular cycling can help improve your sleep patterns and fight fatigue. A found that people who exercised regularly, including cycling, fell asleep faster, had deeper sleep, and woke up feeling more refreshed. It may sound ironic because you are spending energy while you are cycling, but spending energy on a morning bike ride can actually give you more energy throughout the day. You're likely to feel more alert, focused, and ready to tackle work with a clearer mind. Cost effective With gas prices, parking fees, tolls, car maintenance, and some more items we're forgetting to list right now… It all adds up. On the other hand, riding a bicycle costs close to nothing. According to , Cyclescheme, a major provider of the Government's Cycle to Work programme, did some research into the annual costs of running a car compared to those of owning a cycle. In 2017, it found that running a car costs on average £732 per annum; a cycle, however, came in at just £396. Eco-friendly and sustainable Transportation is one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions on the planet. Cycling is one of the most eco-friendly forms of transport. Unlike cars, it produces zero emissions, reduces traffic congestion, and requires fewer resources to manufacture and maintain. As per the , a revealed that a modal shift to cycling from car trips could dramatically reduce mobility-related lifecycle emissions. More than 20 researchers from Stockholm to Oregon collected travel activity data from 3,836 participants over seven European cities to produce a new study: 'The climate change mitigation effects of active travel'. They found that the more people cycled or walked, the fewer mobility-related lifecycle CO2 emissions were generated. Daily mobility lifecycle emissions are the mass of carbon dioxide per day associated with passenger travel. Since 43% of the reduction in global CO2 emissions during the COVID-19 confinement period was due to a reduction in motorised travel, it is vital that governments recognise the power of cycling as a smart and sustainable alternative to cars. So when you ride, you're not just helping yourself, you're also helping the planet. That, precisely, is one of the best things about cycling: how easy it is to turn into a routine. You don't need fancy gear or Lycra suits, just a road-worthy bike and a helmet. Start small: cycle to the market, to the metro station, or to meet a friend. Eventually, your body (and brain) will start craving the ride. For those hesitant about commuting in traffic, e-bikes are a game-changer. They allow you to travel further with way less effort and make hills a breeze. So, no more arriving sweaty at work! Firoza Suresh, Bicycle Mayor of Mumbai, talks about why cycling is a good commute option post lockdown
Edinburgh Live
7 days ago
- Edinburgh Live
East Lothian worker's 'ridiculous idea' to cycle 77 miles for morning meeting
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An East Lothian charity worker had the 'ridiculous idea' to cycle over 77 miles to get to his office in Glasgow's city centre. Mark Camburn, 42, decided to dust down his wheels for Cycle to Work Day - the only issue being he lives in Drem. On the day of his journey, he set off at 3am. He was joined by his colleagues from the humanitarian charity the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund. Mark, and his work friends, made it to Glasgow just in time for their first meeting. Mark said: 'The cycle was a ridiculous idea – and a huge challenge for me. The adrenaline was pumping at 3am, with the excitement of what was to come. But the reality really sunk in as the sun came up, and I realised how far we had to go. My eyes were as heavy as my legs!' Mark's route took him from Drem, along the coastal road to Edinburgh, Linlithgow, Falkirk, Kilsyth, Kirkintilloch, through Bishopbriggs and into Glasgow. In 2012 Mark bought a bike through the 'Cycle to Work' scheme, but never managed to do the trip before now. Mark added: 'It's only taken me 13 years but I got there! For me, getting to the office in time to start a full day's work was key – that was the whole point of the cycle. And honestly, despite a few yawns, I managed to get quite a bit done and yes I did have a shower! I cheated a wee bit – I did get the train home. (Image: Supplied) 'At Kirkintilloch, a group of fellow SCIAF staff met us to take us over the finish line – and our lovely chief executive brought some breakfast to spur us on. That gesture made all the difference, and seeing the Glasgow skyline appear as we completed those final few miles down the canal was such a huge relief. "While I was cycling, I was thinking about the challenges families face in the communities SCIAF works. In places like Malawi and Ethiopia, women and girls spend hours every single day walking miles and miles just to collect water. In Gaza and Ukraine, where SCIAF are providing emergency relief, the challenges they face every day are incomprehensible. It really put things into perspective for me. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox "The target for the fundraiser was £1000, and I'm delighted we smashed this. The money will go towards SCIAF's current appeal, which focuses on the work we do with people with disabilities – helping them access the care they need, and the tools and training they need to thrive. "Thank you to everyone who sponsored us – it was the encouragement I needed to keep the pedals turning! We still need more donations to our current appeal, however, so we can reach as many people as possible. The need is so high, so anything you can do to help will make a big difference." You can find out more about SCIAF's appeal here.
