We all know that riding a bike is the best. The benefits are endless. But just in case you are wavering about taking that bike out of the garage for a ride, or perhaps you are trying to persuade a friend to see the light, these facts will reinforce why everyone should grab a bike and get out there…

1. Cycling could help to prevent cancer: A long-term study carried out by a team of Finnish researchers found that those who took part and exercised at a moderate level for at least 30 minutes a day were half as likely to develop cancer as those who didn’t

2. You won’t get sick as often: According to the Chief Dietician at St George’s Hospital in London, “moderate exercise makes immune cells more active, so they’re ready to fight off infection”

3. You can avoid heart disease: The British Heart Foundation released data highlighting that around 10,000 fatal heart attacks could be avoided each year if people kept themselves fitter and healthier. Cycling just 20 miles a week reduces your risk of heart disease to less than half that of those who take no exercise, it said.

4 . You’ll be slimmer and trimmer: Figures show the average person will lose 13 lbs (5.8 kilograms) in their first year of cycling to work (Source: Outdoor Foundation 2010)

5. A better quality of life: Biking improves your health and quality of life. It gets you outside, relieves stress, and just generally makes you feel better about life

6. Your creative juices will flow: A study found that just 25 minutes of aerobic exercise such as cycling boosts at least one measure of creative thinking

7. It’s a legal high:  We’ve all felt that euphoria post ride and it’s been proven that there’s a direct link between feelings of well-being and exercise

8. You’ll earn a good case for a pay rise: According to research from the University of North Carolina, people who cycle for 30 minutes, five days a week, take about half as many sick days as couch potatoes

9. Forget about parking woes: 42 Brompton folding bikes or 20 standard sized cycles can be parked in the same space as one car, meaning you employer could save on car parking space

10. You’ll be employee of the year:  A study of 200 people carried out by the University of Bristol found that employees who exercised before work or at lunchtime improved their time and workload management, and it boosted their motivation and their ability to deal with stress.

11. You’ll be wealthier: Commuting to work on your bicycle costs nothing, as opposed to using your car or taking public transport. To use public transport in the capital it costs a whopping £1,744 for a zone 1-4 travel card for the year. Imagine the bike you could buy with that! Maintaining a bike annually costs twenty times less than maintaining and driving a car

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