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SHOCK NEWS- CYCLISTS VERSUS DRIVERS, IT'S NO CONTEST...

The fact is that there IS no contest. Most road using cyclists are car owners who are using the bike as the most appropriate mode for that particular journey. Very often the media hypes up a rivalry that doesn't exist just to create sensation. The motor industry and all car users stand to gain more than anyone from an increase in cycle use.

A growth in the number of journeys made by bike will help drivers who must use their vehicles because of distance, luggage capacity, or the need to carry other people. If, on the other hand, we do not support cycling, conservative estimates predict a 20% growth in car use by 2020, which will mean that even small roads will face gridlock.

So, before you get in your car, think to yourself whether you really need to use it for the trip you're about to make. Very often the answer will be yes, but if not you'll be able to take advantage of the financial and health benefits of active travel at the same time as helping Scotland's environment and economy. And when you are driving, remember that you can make a difference to the road environment. By simply staying within the speed limit, in spite of everyone else speeding, and driving in a manner that shows consideration to other road users, you can become part of the culture of change that we need if we are to strengthen our economy and make Scotland a safer, healthier and more pleasant place to live.

EAT CAKES, DRINK BEER, STAY THIN. (Just make sure it's in moderation!)

Why diet when you can use journeys you make anyway to gently remove excess calories from your body. Dieting scares your body into thinking food is in short supply and trains it to hold on to fat reserves. Active people eat far more than their sedentary equivalents, but are much less likely to suffer from poor health, excess body weight or low self esteem.

Obesity in Scotland is rising at an astounding rate, yet as a nation we eat less calories than we did in the 1940s. Why? Very simply we don't stay active enough in our daily lives to burn off the food we eat. A simple walk or cycle to school, active play or leisure pursuits, or leaving the car while running local errands not only keeps you looking better, it boosts your immune system, strengthens your heart stimulates your mind and will help to ensure that you enjoy a long, lively life.

CYCLING MAKES ROADS SAFER!

Recent statistics gathered throughout the UK confirm that an increase in cycle use leads to safer roads. Apart from the fact that drivers who also cycle tend to be more aware of other road users, more cyclists on the road ensures that even drivers who don't cycle are more likely to expect the presence of cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians.

NEARLY 75% OF JOURNEYS WE MAKE ARE UNDER 5 MILES.

Unfortunately in Scotland most people don't see walking or cycling as options to get from A to B. Consider the crazy story of a man who spent over 5 minutes scraping ice off his car to drive under 300 metres to a local shop! No wonder Scotland has one of the worst health records in Europe. 1 in 4 Scots are at risk of dying early as a result of diseases related to inactivity, yet only 2% of journeys we make are by bicycle, and few people consider walking much further than from their front door to their car or the nearest bus stop. Believe it or not, recent surveys suggest that 13% of car journeys are less than 1000metres in length.  People who use the bicycle as a mode of transport on a regular basis are ill 50% less than those who always drive, and on average enjoy the health of someone ten years younger. Think about the difference this could make to the rest of your life. It may need commitment to get started, but how can you put a value on benefits like that?

ALMOST 45% OF CHILDREN WANT TO CYCLE TO SCHOOL.

In Scotland we are fighting against a huge increase in childhood obesity, with almost a third of 15 year olds classed as obese. This is likely to lead to a dramatic increase in children dying before their parents as they will never have had the necessary boost to their immune systems or the benefits that come from activity strengthening the heart. Although in general it is hard to encourage children to have an active life, Up to 45% of schoolchildren say that their preferred method of getting to school would be cycling. Currently the figure sits at around 1%. Unlike most sporting activities delivered in school, cycling has the potential to continue as a normal part of active living. In Scotland, cycling is the number one activity of choice for children of 8 to 15 years outside of school PE (number one for girls and number 2 for boys behind football). This means that kids want to cycle, and providing the support to allow it is the best way to safeguard the future health of our nation. Looked at country by country the European statistics relating to obesity and uptake of shool cycling are almost exact mirrors of each other, with the countries enjoying the highest cycle use figures also benefitting from the lowest obesity. The Scottish Executive has a programme to provide "Safe Routes to School", but the support of parents and schools is needed to gain the funding necessary to put appropriate routes and facilities in place around shools where cycling is currently impractical.