It’s a brilliant way to travel.

Not only does cycling to work or college save you a packet in petrol money and bus fares, it’s also the healthiest way to get around.

The average adult cyclist will burn around 210 calories in a 30-minute bike commute.

Studies also show that cycle commuters have a 52% lower risk of developing heart disease and a 40% lower risk of dying from cancer – not a bad bonus from a journey you have to make every day anyway.

Now, thanks to European Mobility Week (September 16th to 22nd) there’s a whole host of new reasons to dust off the bicycle and start pedalling.

The theme for this year is Multimodality, with a slogan of Mix and Move and Cork City Council has planned the following events to encourage more Corkonians to try cycling:

• Try Social Biking: The BikePrints app is downloadable now and tracks journeys, awarding additional points for shared journeys. There are lots of prizes to be won too. Download it here.
• Explore: The access ramp to the old railway line at Citygate, Mahon now makes access much easier for pedestrians and cyclists – pop down and check it out.
• Take part: The Rebel Pedal takes place on Saturday, September 22nd, coordinated by Cork Environmental Forum. The family fun event starts at Fitzgerald’s Park at 11.30am with entertainment afterward in the park.
• Take note: A public bike pump will be installed outside City Hall to facilitate cyclists.