The Bradley Wiggins' Effect - Cycling in the UK

Looks like the Bradley Wiggins' effect isn't just another pipedream! After being crowned the winner of the Tour De France last Sunday there's ample evidence to suggest Mr Wiggins' victory is getting more bums on saddle's.

Visa have been tracking where the good people of Britain have been spending their money in the lead up to the Olympics, noting down all the peaks and troughs, although the peaks should be outweighing the troughs at this particular moment in time! They recorded just over a 5% increase in the amount spent on bikes and equipment in the last week of the Tour De France, compared to the same week in 2011. So fairly affirming stats, although you could argue UK Cycling had already pushed itself to the forefront of peoples' minds ever since the creation of Team Sky and of course the performances of UK cyclists at previous Olympics and Championships. Wiggins' victory has further elevated the popularity of cycling and with the ever increasing concerns about Britain's relationship with their health, another sporting hero to look up to and another activity to take up and get involved with can only be a positive thing!

Halfords who sponsored the television coverage of the Tour De France this year saw an 18% increase in sales of bikes and related equipment over the last week or so of the event. It's just a case of crossing your fingers and hoping the interest surrounding cycling doesn't start to tail off too rapidly once the hubbub surrounding Wiggins' win (try saying that after a few drinks) and the Olympics stops. If the idea of the Olympic 'Legacy' for London and Britain works then hopefully it won't be an issue. Fact is cycling in the UK has seen a boom over the last few years regardless, especially in urban areas where the shunning of public transport and the push for personal fitness has shone through.

You only have to head out on the the roads (especially in more scenic areas) to see the popularity of of cycling these days, around these parts in sunny Bedfordshire, Sunday seems to be the chosen day for the cycling clubs to head out in their fluro attire, some going for it hell for leather, others just enjoying a casual ride in the July sun. If Team GB pick up the medals on the cycle track in London, then cycling both as a competitive sport and leisurely activity can only go from strength to strength!