ONE by one they emerge from the mist created by the water fountains in Bradford’s City Park on a damp and miserable June day.

Cloaked in fluorescent clothing and waterproofs, this hardy bunch of cyclists stop off at the very welcome pit stop, The Pavilion Cafe, to rest and refresh on their way to work.

Their arrival at the Bike Breakfast - a regular meet-up for the growing population of those who opt for pedal power on their daily commute - is sporadic - only a handful emerge compared to the 50 or 60 who generally turn up but considering the weather, and the cooler climate, it isn’t surprising.

Chatting over coffee and croissants, it’s a real social atmosphere, the opportunity for those who attend regularly to have a catch up and set themselves up for the working day.

David Robertson, an IT manager, commutes once or twice a week. “I’ve had a bike since I was five years old and I’ve never gone away from it.”

The keen mountain biker cites keeping healthy as one of the appeals of pedal power - along with happiness and well-being. It saves money too - according to David, and avoids having to car share and, of course, the inevitable congestion.

“The hidden benefit I think is general happiness and well being. I am a lot less grumpy if I cycle to work!” he smiles.

“Being in the fresh air sets you up much better for the day.”

Health is certainly one of the thrusts for ‘Keeping the Wheels Spinning’ - described as a re-freshed version of The Bradford District Cycle Strategy.

David Robison, chairman of the Bradford Cycling Campaign, explains that despite funding for cycling initiatives from organisations such as the local council, the Department of Transport and Sustrans, a UK sustainable transport charity, there is still less expenditure on cycling.

According to David, when divided, the spend on cycling in the Leeds City Region works out less than £2 per person, yet from a health point of view it could save the NHS money.

Cycling also attracts tourism. David explains many actually head for the hills around here rather than avoid them - indicative of Yorkshire hosting stages of the Tour de France and, more recently, the Tour de Yorkshire which increased the county’s global profile.

Other benefits are to the environment; cycling helps to reduce congestion and pollution contributing to the cleaner air many councils, including Bradford, are making great strides to achieve.

Cycling is less stressful hence why, on an unseasonably cool, damp day, when it would be so easy to find alternative means of transport, many prefer to pull on their waterproofs and straddle their cycles to work.

Five years ago Julie Brabiner began commuting to her cleaning job, partly by train and by bike. “It’s good to get out and about in the fresh air. It keeps you fit,” says the 52-year-old.

‘Every day cyclist’ Claire Wright started cycling as a child as a means of getting to places without having to rely on her parents. She stopped cycling after having her own children but has since got back into it and, as chairman of Bradford’s cycling forum, bSpoke, is eager to encourage others to get on their bikes.

“It’s freedom and I really enjoy it,” says Claire.

“It’s good for your health, good for the environment and they say it’s good for your pocket!”

Tom Jones, Senior Transport Planner Development Plans & Transport Planning for Bradford Council, explains the Bike Breakfasts began around nine years ago and are part of the strategy to encourage more people to get on their bikes.

This year alone Bradford hosted, for the first time, the Cycle City Active City conference attracting international delegates; it also hosted the Women and Cycling conference at the Dubrovnik Hotel.

Schemes to make it easier for cyclists to commute and enjoy cycling in general in and around the city have also taken place such as the super highway between Leeds and Bradford; work has also been carried on the Leeds Liverpool canal and there is a current project to improve the Canal Road towpath in Silsden

“There is lots of evidence that people who cycle are healthier, less likely to be absent from work,” says Tom, adding cycling also has strong links with the environment agenda and tackling issues such as carbon emissions and air quality.

He is keen to encourage people to take up cycling as a daily activity to commute or even visit the local shops. “That is the aim of what I am doing, to encourage people to get involved as part of a day to day commuting activity,” says Tom.

For more information, or to get involved, visit cyclebradford.org.uk