Watch this short video to see how walking, cycling, and other sustainable travel choices can benefit your health, the community, and the environment. Click to watch!

Why Choose Active Travel?

Active travel is an increasingly popular choice for individuals and communities looking to reduce their environmental impact, improve their health, and save money. It involves using human-powered transport—primarily cycling and walking—as a way to travel from one place to another. At Biosphere Bikes, we’re committed to promoting active travel for all its numerous benefits.

Here's why you should consider making the switch.

1. Heath Benefits

Choosing to cycle or walk as part of your daily commute or leisure activities brings a wide range of health benefits. Here’s how active travel boosts your well-being.

Mental Wellness: Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and boost your mood. Cycling or walking outdoors helps reduce anxiety, improve mental health, and increase endorphins. With our community-centred approach, we’re here to support your physical and mental well-being as you explore local routes on your bike.

1. Prevent Chronic Illness: By cycling or walking regularly, you reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. With a Biosphere Bikes bike, you’ll be on the road to a healthier, happier lifestyle—one pedal at a time.

2. Boost Your Fitness: Cycling and walking are excellent cardiovascular exercises that improve overall fitness, increase stamina, and keep your heart healthy. At Biosphere Bikes, we offer high-quality, affordable refurbished bikes to get you started on your health journey.

2. Environmental Impact

Active travel has a significant positive effect on the environment, and Biosphere Bikes is dedicated to supporting sustainable practices that reduce carbon footprints.

Lower Carbon Emissions: Cars are major contributors to carbon dioxide emissions, but every time you choose to cycle instead of drive, you’re cutting down on pollution. At Biosphere Bikes, we make it easy for you to adopt a more eco-friendly lifestyle with our range of recycled bikes.

1. Cleaner Air: Cycling and walking produce no air pollution. By choosing to ride a bike from Biosphere Bikes, you’re doing your part in improving air quality and reducing your impact on climate change.

2. Sustainable Transport: By shifting from fossil fuel-powered vehicles to human-powered transport, you’re reducing reliance on non-renewable resources. At Biosphere Bikes, we offer a wide variety of recycled bikes that help support a circular economy, promoting sustainability in every journey you take.

Want to see the impact of your travel choices? Use our Carbon Calculator to compare the carbon savings of cycling/walking versus driving. Discover how much CO₂ you can prevent from entering the atmosphere simply by choosing active travel.

Try Our Carbon Calculator Now and take the first step toward a more sustainable future!

3. Economics Benefits

Active travel doesn’t just benefit your health and the environment—it’s also incredibly cost-effective. Here’s how cycling and walking save you money.

4. Community & Accessibility Benefits

Active travel fosters a sense of community, inclusivity, and connection, and Biosphere Bikes is at the heart of making that happen.

Building Stronger Communities: Active travel promotes engagement with local spaces, fosters social interaction, and creates safer, more vibrant neighborhoods. At Biosphere Bikes, we host community events, bike rides, and volunteer opportunities that bring people together and encourage sustainable travel.

1. Accessibility for Everyone: Active travel doesn’t depend on a vehicle, so it’s accessible to people of all ages, abilities, and financial means. Whether you’re looking for a bike for commuting, exercise, or recreation, we offer affordable, refurbished bikes that meet a variety of needs.

2. Inclusive Travel Options: We cater to individuals of all skill levels and backgrounds. From beginner cyclists to seasoned riders, Biosphere Bikes ensures that everyone can take part in the shift to sustainable, active travel.

Join the Active Travel movement with Biosphere bikes

Active travel fosters a sense of community, inclusivity, and connection, and Biosphere Bikes is at the heart of making that happen.

Building Stronger Communities: Active travel promotes engagement with local spaces, fosters social interaction, and creates safer, more vibrant neighborhoods. At Biosphere Bikes, we host community events, bike rides, and volunteer opportunities that bring people together and encourage sustainable travel.

1. Accessibility for Everyone: Active travel doesn’t depend on a vehicle, so it’s accessible to people of all ages, abilities, and financial means. Whether you’re looking for a bike for commuting, exercise, or recreation, we offer affordable, refurbished bikes that meet a variety of needs.

2. Inclusive Travel Options: We cater to individuals of all skill levels and backgrounds. From beginner cyclists to seasoned riders, Biosphere Bikes ensures that everyone can take part in the shift to sustainable, active travel.

Choosing active travel is one of the most impactful ways to improve your health, save money, and make a positive impact on the environment. At Biosphere Bikes, we’re here to support you on your journey toward more sustainable and active living.

Explore our selection of affordable, recycled bikes, take advantage of our bike servicing and repair options, or get involved in our community initiatives. We’re more than just a bike shop—we’re a hub for active, sustainable travel.

Together, let’s pedal toward a healthier, greener future.

Chose the Right Bike on the Right Route

Selecting the right bike is crucial for making active travel comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable. Whether commuting to work, going for a leisurely ride, or tackling rough terrain, understanding the different types of bikes and their benefits can help you choose the perfect ride. Additionally, considering refurbished and second-hand bikes is an excellent way to save money and reduce waste. Below are some descriptions of all the many bikes you can choose from!

Road Bikes

Road bikes are designed for speed and efficiency, with lightweight frames and narrow tyres that are optimized for smooth roads. They have drop handlebars that allow a more aerodynamic riding position.

Best For: Fast commuting, long-distance rides, and road cycling enthusiasts.

Accessible Bikes for Travel

Accessible active travel is all about making cycling and biking inclusive and comfortable for everyone, regardless of mobility, age, or ability. There are various bike types designed specifically to accommodate different needs and ensure that active travel is a viable option for people with diverse abilities.

Electric Bikes (E-bikes)

E-bikes have an integrated electric motor that assists with pedalling, making it easier to ride over long distances or up steep hills without exhausting yourself. The motor gives a boost, allowing you to travel at higher speeds or longer distances with less effort.

Best For: People who want assistance with pedalling or those who may find long distances or hills challenging.

Tricycles (Adult Trikes)

Tricycles, or adult trikes, have three wheels instead of two, making them more stable than traditional bikes. They come in a variety of designs, including upright models and recumbent models, offering more comfort and balance for users.

Best For: People who need additional stability and balance support.

Tandem Bikes

Tandem bikes have two seats and are designed for two riders, allowing for collaborative cycling. The rear rider (often the person with visual impairments or other mobility needs) pedals while the front rider steers and helps with the effort.

Best For: People with vision impairments or those who need a cycling companion for support.

Folding Bikes

Folding bikes are compact and lightweight, making them easy to fold and carry when not in use. They’re perfect for individuals who need to take their bike on public transport, or who have limited space at home or work.

Best For: People with limited storage space or those who need a compact bike for multi-modal transportation.

Beach Wheelchair

Beach wheelchairs are specially designed mobility aids equipped with large, balloon-like tires that can easily glide over sand, allowing users to enjoy beaches and coastal areas that are otherwise difficult to access with standard wheelchairs. These chairs often feature rust-resistant frames and supportive seating for comfort and safety.

Best For: Individuals with limited mobility who want to enjoy outdoor activities on the beach or in sandy environments.

Make Smarter Choices for a Greener Future

As we strive towards a more sustainable future, the way we travel plays a crucial role in reducing our carbon footprint. The Sustainable Travel Hierarchy shown below, supported by charities like Biosphere Bikes, helps individuals and organisations make informed choices by prioritising the most environmentally friendly modes of transport.

How Much CO₂ Can You Save?

What is a Carbon calculator?

A Carbon Calculator is a simple tool that helps you estimate the amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) your daily travel emits. Whether commuting to work, running errands, or exploring new places, every mile travelled by vehicles adds to your carbon footprint. But what if you could make a greener choice? Biosphere Bikes encourages sustainable travel by providing refurbished bikes, helping you reduce emissions while staying active.

How to use our Carbon calculator?

It’s simple. Enter the number of miles you typically travel. Choose the mode of transportation provided in the list. Click calculate, and you get an instant estimate of your carbon emission.

Want to know how much carbon you’re saving by cycling from Biosphere Bike Hub to Asda Girvan? Use our carbon calculator below and find out—because every pedal counts and your carbon footprint just might be smaller than your shopping list!

Mountain Bikes

Mountain bikes are built for rugged terrains, with wide, knobby tyres, strong frames, and suspension for absorbing shock. They’re great for paths, dirt trails, and uneven surfaces.

Best For: Off-road cycling, trail riding, and rough terrains.

Recumbent Bikes

Recumbent bikes feature a reclined seating position where you sit with your back supported and your feet in front of you, rather than below you. This makes the ride more comfortable and distributes the weight more evenly, reducing pressure on the back and joints.

Best For: People who experience back pain, limited mobility, or difficulty balancing on a traditional bike.

E-Cargo Bikes(Electric)

E-cargo bikes are built to carry heavy loads and come with extended frames and baskets or boxes that can carry everything from groceries to equipment. They provide extra assistance and are available in both two-wheeled and three-wheeled options.

Best For: Individuals who need extra capacity for carrying items or groceries, or people with limited mobility who need a larger bike for stability and ease.

Why it matters?

A carbon calculator helps you understand and reduce your environmental impact. By calculating CO₂ emissions from your daily activities, it empowers you to make greener choices, like cycling or walking instead of driving. It raises awareness, encourages positive behavior change, and supports sustainable goals—whether for individuals, businesses, or cities. With a simple tool, you can track your emissions, see how much you can save, and take action for a healthier planet.

Discover more about the benefits of active travel here.