Coronavirus and a new golden age of cycling

The Coronavirus curfew has drastically reduced traffic volumes and thereby unintentionally created a cycling paradise on many roads. Gone are the queues of idling traffic, aggression of impatient commuters. The accompanying noise, pollution and danger have been replaced by something approaching tranquillity. What better conditions for novice cyclists who would normally shay away from our car-centric streets?

The latest instructions from government permit us to leave our homes to exercise once a day. It's suggested we walk, run or cycle.

Given we have to avoid others, cycling has an added benefit; it's as enjoyable when done alone as it is in a group. Furthermore, cycling is cheap, fun and an environmentally benign opportunity to meditate as well as exercise. The numerous benefits of exercise go far beyond the physical. Cycling is a powerful mood enhancer. And in these uncertain times, a morale boost is just what the doctor ordered.

Whilst government instructions currently outlaw groups of more than two people at a time, families who live together can take exercise as a group so what better time to give children a taste of cycling on quiet roads? Dust off that bike that's been languishing in your shed, pump up its tyres and if you need to, consider insuring it with us...remember, thieves don't respect the coronavirus rules about working from home.

The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance, travel insurance, breakdown cover and home insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

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