Cycling is fun, fast, green and healthy. That's why we want you to spend more time pedalling, and less time sitting in front of the computer.

National Bike Week is the UK's annual 'celebration of cycling', with more than 1,500 events expected to attract over 250,000 participants. A great opportunity to discover (or re-discover) the appeal of cycling, the easy way for so many people to feel healthy and keep fit. All you need to join in is a bike!

For more information about Bike Week, visit www.bikeweek.org.uk/.

Cycling is an effective and enjoyable form of aerobic exercise. It reduces the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. A rough calculation suggests that even cyclists covering short distances can reduce their risk of death by as much as 22%.

It's also successful as part of a programme to lose weight, because cycling burns energy quickly. For example, just a 15-minute bike ride to and from work can burn off the equivalent of 11 pounds of fat in a year.

This form of exercise can have a positive effect on how we feel too. Moderate exercise has been found to reduce levels of depression and stress, raise self-esteem and improve your mood.

Cycling isn't an exclusive club for fitness fanatics only. Anyone can have a go, and you hardly need anything other than a bike and a helmet to get started. It's best to start slowly, perhaps just popping to the local shops or taking your bike for a spin in the local park (ensure you check restrictions first). Once you've built up your confidence and your stamina, you'll undoubtedly find that you quite enjoy the freedom and exhiliration that cycling brings with it. If you choose to cycle to and from work, you'll find that you'll no longer need to waste time sitting in traffic. And best off all, it's an excellent way to build excercise into our busy lives and once you've invested in the initial costs, riding a bike will save you buckets of money.

eBay.co.uk have put together a valuable guide to help you in your quest for the perfect bicycle to suit you. It's important to identify when and where you'll be riding your bike so that you can find a bike that complements your lifestyle, your size and your requirements. Read guide now >

Also, conduct a search for a local independent cycle retailer >>

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If you know what you're looking for, why not find the bicyle of your dreams on eBay.co.uk. >>