In a world where we welcome more conscious decisions for the health of our planet, alternative travel options are becoming more and more popular. If you go out on the roads today, you will notice more and more electric vehicles taking up the lanes. Most of the biggest cities in the UK are proposing congestion charges and low emission areas, sometimes costing diesel and petrol car owners up to £15 a day. There has never been a better time to invest in a folding bike.

What are folding bikes?

A folding bike is a bicycle that is designed to be able to fold up so you can carry it around with great ease. Folding bikes have become increasingly popular around the world, and especially in cities.

Here are the advantages of buying a folding bike over a standard bike:

• Can take anywhere. Most trains and buses allow folded bikes on board as they fold up compactedly. They are also really easy to fit in cars and taxis.
• No need for bike locks. As you can fold and carry with you, you won’t have to worry about buying a lock or having your property stolen.
• Emission free. Usually get the tube to work or university? With a folding bike you can skip the queues and the fees of tubes and enjoy the London scenery as you travel.

What are folding bikes used for?

Folding bikes have many uses. They are increasingly popular for those who commute or are regularly catching tubes or busses in the cities. Users are able to fold the bikes when they arrive to their destination and put away under a desk or a storage cupboard.

Folding bikes are also great to have if you enjoy a cycle outside to get some fresh air and exercise.

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Are folding bikes good for beginners?

Folding bikes are perfect for beginners as they are easy to move and store. You can fold it up and take it wherever you need to go. Foldable bikes are also usually light to carry than traditional bikes. As the foldable bike models are smaller they are less intimidating to ride.

List of reasons why folding bikes are good for beginners:

• Easy to fold
• Easy to unfold
• Ease of maneuvering when folded
• Ease of maneuvering when unfolded
• Wheels don’t lock when braking
• Easy maintenance
• Low cost
• Easy to carry

See, so many great reasons!

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What are the health benefits of using a folding bike?

There are many health benefits to riding a folding bike, many similar to those of traditional bikes.

The health benefits of folding bikes.

Easy exercise.

Did you know you can burn up to 100 calories cycling f0r 15 mins at 8 MPH? If the speed is increased to 14 MPH the calories burned increases to 180 calories. If you use your folding bike daily or use to commute, it will help your overall fitness and you will reap the health benefits. As the folding bikes aren’t too heavy, you won’t hurt your back if you need to carry it somewhere.

Mental health.

Cycling allows you to get out in the open. Going outside for a cycle can leave you feeling energetic and revitalised. The aerobic exercise can also help with reducing feelings of anxiety disorders.

When it comes to riding a bike, you tend to either go by yourself or with a friend. Cycling can be a social exercise which is also great for improving mental health.

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Cycle routes in London.

London loves to cycle. Transport for London said that roadside counts in inner London between March and mid-June 2022 were an average of 24 per cent higher than the same period in 2019.

As we nearer summer and the weather is warming up, it is the perfect time to cycle to a green park and sit down and bask in the sun.

There are hundreds of cycle routes in London, to find out where your nearest route is, take a look at Transport for London’s cycling routes.

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Folding bikes at View Studios.

Did you know that our new London student accommodation in Bermondsey has folding bikes that you can hire for free to travel around London as you wish. Hire the bike for 24 hours from reception and go exploring for the day. Perfect for clearing your head after a heavy day of studying! See what Bermondsey has to offer so you can plan your day on your folding bike.

View Studios is our brand-new London Student Accommodation. Located in the heart of up-and-coming Bermondsey area in Southwark. Really close to the River Thames, Tower Bridge and London Bridge.

Our Bermondsey student accommodation has great transport links with the tube station a 10 minute walk away. The Jubilee Line allows you to explore London to your hearts content. While the embankment of the Thames and the regenerated Potters Fields Park, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and the famous HMS Belfast just 15 minutes’ walk away.

Bermondsey Spa Gardens is a popular park right outside the front door of this latest London student accommodation, with everything within easy reach including a Sainsbury’s supermarket two doors away from View Studios – Perfect for grabbing your evening meal on your way back from the Tube station.

Find out more about View Studios or view more of our London student accommodation.