Have you ever been tempted to cycle, but don’t know where to start?
Is your bike worn, rattly and rusty and you need an upgrade?
Are you ready for an e-bike, to make it easier to get out and about?
South Manchester Credit Union can get you and your family on bikes. Here we outline the benefits of cycling, provide information on cycle training, cycle routes and finance options.
Bikes come in many shapes and sizes so whatever your age and ability, there is likely to be a bike suitable for you.
Our Green Loan offers loans between £500 – £15,000 which can finance regular bikes and e-bikes. Bike prices vary depending on what you need so here are some examples.
- Rebecca borrowed £1,000 for 4 family bikes at 20% interest. Repaying £80 per month over 15 months. Total repayment £1,131
- Melanie borrowed £4,000 for two electric bikes at 14% interest. Repaying £192 per month over 2 years. Total repayment £4,609.
The benefits of cycling
- Save money: owning a bike is cheaper than owning a car or just save money on fuel, parking and car wear and tear by using a bike for short journeys under 5 miles. Check out Cycling UK’s research.
- Save time: avoid getting stuck in traffic jams or waiting for the bus. For journeys from 2 to 3 miles cycling is often the quickest form of transport and cycling can be four or five times faster than walking.
- Improve health and fitness: exercise releases good hormones reducing stress and anxiety. It also reduces high blood pressure and your chance of having a stroke.
- For enjoyment: Cycling gives a sense of freedom and it’s an easy and enjoyable activity alone or with friends and family.
- For the environment: Cycling instead of driving creates less noise, less air pollution and reduces congestion.
MCR Active website has information on cycling in Manchester and if you are in Trafford have a look at Trafford Council’s webpage on cycling.
Cycle skills and maintenance: If you have never learnt to ride a bike; would like to develop your cycling skills, or become more confident cycling in traffic, you can find local cycle training and maintenance courses through Bikeability
Local cycle routes and groups as well as parks and canal towpaths there are many traffic free routes and cycle lanes on roads in Greater Manchester. Maps for each district showing cycle routes and parking can be downloaded from the Transport for Greater Manchester website. British Cycling Let’s ride site has a searchable calendar of group bike rides for all abilities.
Cycling is very inclusive, Bikeability lists organisations that can provide support and details of adapted cycles for children and adults with disabilities and differing needs.
Borrow or hire a bike to try cycling before committing to buying one. Check out your local bike library or hire a Starling Bank bike from a bike station and pay per minute.
Finance options
Our Green loan can fund cycles, as well as helmets, locks and other cycling equipment. Or open a Dream Saver account, to save towards the cost of your bike.
The Government’s Cycle to Work Scheme allows employers to offer their staff tax and National Insurance savings on bikes. If your employer is registered you can get savings between 28%-47% of the cost of a bike and equipment and spread the cost, usually over 12 months.
If cycling is not for you South Manchester Credit Union also provide an interest free loan for the Annual Bee Network Ticket and our Green Loan can also fund electric cars and charging points.
