If you cycle to work you are automatically getting good exercise, as well as using a cheaper, cleaner method of transport. On top of that you will arrive an work fully awake, alert, and refreshed. People who cycle regularly have the fitness of a person 10 years younger, and your life expectancy increases by 2 years if you carry on cycling once you’ve reached your mid-30s.

Here are a few interesting facts:

• Walking at 3mph uses up 264 kCal per hour

• Walking just an extra 150m per day would burn off enough energy to avoid putting on the UK annual average weight gain (0.4 kg pa), assuming you don’t eat more to compensate for the additional exercise

Well yes, of course you should, but not for the reasons usually quoted by environmentalists. Cutting out short trips to the shop and school does not substantially reduce your car’s emissions as much as, say cutting out long trips or car commuting. Although there is an impact on your catalytic converter. However, there are health benefits of walking or cycling to the shops (or to school if you have kids).