Cycling is the best way that you can travel. You don't need to be clad in lycra and racing around the streets. Just one hour per week of relaxed cycling makes a massive improvement to your health. However, Leithers say that one of the best thing about riding a bike is that it's fun!

But isn't it a bit scary?

Lot's of Leithers we've spoken to say that they would start cycling, but they are worried about their safety in traffic. To address this, we'll be starting to run regular 'Confidence Builiding' events for everyone to take part in. We're also going to be running a series of promotion events where you can get your bike serviced for free, and advice on safe cycling. We will announce these events on the Greener Leith blog. To make sure you don't miss anything, why not sign up to our free weekly news email?

However, if you can't make it to an event, please contact us. Our specially trained We Love Leith Travel coaches can come to your door to help you plan out a safe route. We're even happy to cycle with you, to show you how to get the places you want to get to safely.

It can feel much safer cycling with someone else, and indeed the research shows that cyclists are safer in numbers. So, if you'd like to find a cycle buddy for a regular journey that you make, you could use the We Love Leith Trip Share service. This site aims to match up people who make the similar bike journeys in a safe and secure way.

Where are the Safest Cycle Routes?

There is a growing network of traffic free, and low traffic routes in North Edinburgh. You can download our Leith Travel Map for free and if you travel further afield you can buy an Edinburgh Spokes Cycle Map from the Greener Leith shop for just £4. Leithers even get free delivery. Click here to buy your Edinburgh Cycle Map.

Alternatively, you could try one of the many on-line journey planners. We think the best one is Cycle Streets

More Online Help

The website Cycling Edinburgh is a great place to find out about cycling events and regular bike rides.

You can get cheap training and recycled bikes from the Bike Station.

You might also want to check out the SPOKES website too. SPOKES campaign for more support for cyclists.

Of course, we shouldn't forget our local Bike shops too, run by Leith Cycle Co.

If you have an Iphone or a Blackberry you could find out more about the routes you ride, and share them with others using www.everytrail.com