DUBAI // Ride into the new year with a resolution to cycle every day and get fit by joining The National's second Cycle to Work campaign, which aims to coax residents to ditch their cars for bicycles and commit to a healthier lifestyle.
The initiative builds on the inaugural campaign in January this year aimed at breaking a sedentary cycle that could lead to obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
Over the next month, cycling enthusiasts and first-time riders will share experiences about how exercise is changing their lives and motivating others to ring in the new year with life-altering choices, before Cycle to Work day on Tuesday, January 12.
“Too often people are sedentary for long periods of a day and that needs to be broken up, so having a Cycle to Work Day is fantastic because what it’s doing is breaking up sedentary periods by putting physical exercise in between,” said Daniel Hughes, president of the Abu Dhabi Triathlon Club.
“Cycling complements a broader fitness routine that people can work towards.”
Dozens of cyclists – such as embassy staffers, sales managers, translators, hotel workers and graphic artists – said they supported the initiative.
At Yas Mall in January, shoppers were drawn to bicycles The National provided for members of the public to use.
Some readers have the habit of cycling to work, while others said they would set personal targets and attempt to cycle to work as well as ride with their colleagues, friends and family members.
“An education process is needed with motorists so that they give cyclists a chance on the road,” said Mr Hughes, who cycles three times a week.
“We need safety programmes so that motorists realise cycling is good for the community, the environment, and that it is an important social activity.”
The latest campaign aims to patiently build a culture of cycling and make cities in the UAE cycling-friendly.
“As Abu Dhabi and other cities modernise we will find new and different paths to cycle,” said Brian Lott, Mubadala’s executive director of group communications, who often cycles at the Yas Marina Circuit track.
“Cycling is a joyful thing to do if it’s safe. If you look at big cities like New York, London or Copenhagen, hundreds if not thousands cycle to work and it’s great to watch because it’s a way of life.
“This campaign is a beginning. The infrastructure is not here yet but we have to start somewhere.”
Over the next few weeks, experts will share advice on nutrition and healthy living to complement cycling.
“Drink lots of water, stay away from sugary, high-fat and processed items,” said dietician Salma Ganchi.
“Eat a healthy balance of clean food. I’m not saying don’t eat fast food, but eat this less.
“If you follow a schedule from Sunday to Thursday of home-cooked fresh meals, on weekends you can have an ice cream or pizza.”
Opt for a piece of fresh fruit over guzzling juices, Ms Ganchi said, because fresh juices have high levels of sugar that are not good for the body even though they are natural.
“Cycling is easier on the body in terms of impact compared to running. The one advice I have is not to cycle on an empty stomach,” said Ms Ganchi, who rides 200 kilometres a week.
“We live in a climate where even in the winter it can be quite warm outside, so hydration is key.
“A lot of people function better on exercise.
“They do it to stay healthy, but it’s also a great pick-me-up if you’re feeling down. I can’t imagine my life without it.”
rtalwar@thenational.ae
