Member Article

Bike & Go's Cycle to the Sands shines a light on mental health

Cyclists flocked to the Wirral coast to enjoy Bike & Go’s second Cycle to the Sands wellbeing event.

Held to mark the start of Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs until this Sunday, the event was hosted by Bike & Go to highlight the feelings of positivity that cycling can bring.

Participants were taken on a guided bike ride from West Kirby station along the Wirral Way overlooking coastal views. They then took part in a mindfulness session by Yogasmiths Paul and Stephen Smith followed by a free picnic too.

With cycling proven to boost wellbeing - a report published in The Lancet Psychiatry Journal last August revealed that regular physical activity lasting 45 minutes three to five times a week could reduce poor mental health - Mental Health Awareness Week offers a great opportunity to take to two wheels.

And with this year’s event focusing on how we think and feel about our bodies, taking time out to go on a bike ride is a good way to boost fitness levels too.

Suzanne Grant, Bike & Go Director, said: “We were delighted to welcome so many people to our second Cycle to the Sands event, and to remind those who hadn’t been on a bike for some years of just how much fun cycling can be.

“This week, I’d urge people to make the most of the sunshine and go on a ride to enjoy an escape from the routine of day-to-day life, and get out into the fresh air.”

Bike & Go offers bike hire facilities from 22 participating train stations across the Merseyrail network, including Liverpool Central, Moorfields, Aigburth, Southport, Ormskirk and West Kirby. There are also bike hire facilities at Seacombe Ferry Terminal and Leasowe Castle, in addition to a further 49 participating train stations across much of the North West, North East and Yorkshire, East and South East of England, and Scotland.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Rachael Tinniswood .