What will you change in 2010?
Around four out of ten people in Britain planned to make a new year's resolution at the start of 2009. Now another twelve months have passed and we're not just ringing in a new year, but a whole new decade. So what are you pledging to achieve in 2010 and beyond?
Getting fit
British people gain an average of 5lbs over the four-week Christmas period, so it's little wonder that the most common resolutions focus on improving our health in some way.
It can help to start small, like finding half an hour to walk to work or cycle to the shops a couple of times a week - much easier than setting aside whole evenings for the gym! A typical 30 minute cycle burns around 186 calories, equivalent to a Cadbury's creme egg, whilst a steady 30 minute walk burns 105 calories, equivalent to two fingers of KitKat, so it will soon start to show results.
Some find that setting a bigger goal helps to motivate them, so why not consider signing up for Sustrans' three-day Coasts and Castles challenge ride? It takes place on 24, 25 and 26 July 2010. Email events@sustrans.org.uk for more details.
The cost of things like gym membership and diet products soon adds up, so cycling and walking can help you tighten your belt in more ways than one, which is the topic of another popular resolution...
Saving cash
Christmas for the average family in Britain costs around £500, which means that many people will be starting the new year by pledging to watch their wallets.
Car costs can be a significant part of a family's expenditure; for instance, those on low wages in Wales that have a car spend around a quarter of their income on motoring. So, finding alternative ways to travel can help. A bike costs around just £75 a year to maintain (compared to £273 each year for a car) and that can be reduced even further by doing simple bike maintenance at home. Putting an old bike back on the road is the most cost-effective way of taking to two-wheels. But if that isn't possible you can make a significant saving - typically around 30 to 50 per cent - on buying a new bike through the Government's Cyclescheme.
If your employer isn't part of Cyclescheme then encourage them to find out more about it. Take a look at our Active Travel in the Workplace toolkit for more ideas.
Remember though, that cutting your spending doesn't mean you have to cut support for your favourite charity. There are other ways to give that won't cost you a thing and will leave you with a warm, contented glow even in this cold winter weather.
Making time
Giving time can be far more rewarding than giving cash. Sustrans has around 2,800 volunteers across the country, each giving us around five hours of their time every month. They help us in a variety of different ways.
Many are rangers, meaning they help to look after the 12,000 miles of National Cycle Network across the UK. Others attend events and shows to help spread the word about Sustrans, some raise money through sponsored cycles or coffee mornings, while others help inspire children to cycle to school. However much free time you can spare, or whatever skills you can offer, there is a role to suit you. Visit our volunteering pages to find out more.