Healthy, environmentally friendly holidays for the whole family.

White Horse Cycle Holidays believe that if the powers-that-be are serious about reducing carbon emissions and protecting the environment, they have got to give people an alternative to the car and make it easier and more convenient for people to use that alternative.

A bicycle is a great alternative to a car for many journeys: popping to the shop, the school run, commuting, a family outing and of course a holiday.

Even with a fairly basic bike and a lower than average level of fitness, most people could probably cycle to the shops 2 miles away quicker than it takes them to do it in the car when you take in to consideration the following:

• Bikes can take shortcuts
• You don't have to find a parking space when you get there
• You can get your bike right up to the doors usually

But so many people jump in the car because it's perceived to be easier. There are several reasons for this:

• There aren't enough dedicated cycle paths so you're either dodging vehicles or pedestrians
• Many places lack a secure, covered cycle park
• The weather in Britain isn't good enough

There are lots of cycle paths, particularly in areas of new-build houses, but we are campaigning for more. We also think there should be more cycle paths that are dedicated for cyclists so that pedestrians, motor traffic and cyclists don't have to clash.

There are plenty of cycle parks, but many employers and local authority buildings such as leisure centres & libraries don't have secure parking. We're campaigning for this to improve.

The weather in Britain is generally fine for cycling. It is estimated that if you cycle to work every day from 1st April to 30th September for 5 days a week (that's about 125 working days), you would only get wet about a dozen times.

We, as a business, are engaging local councillors, MPs, the media and the business community to improve the facilities for cyclists and to promote cycling as a way of reducing congestion, increasing public health and preserving the environment.

Click on the links to the left to get an update on our various initiatives.