Hardly a day goes by without reports of traffic congestion in the city. The main problem is there are too many cars on the city’s roads.

Yet the vast majority of the journeys people use a car for are less than two miles. A distance that many could walk and certainly cycle quicker. It's easy to moan about congestion, but in reality when you’re stuck in a traffic jam you’re part of the problem.

On foot or a bicycle you could be part of the solution. That’s why Bike Worcester (bikeworcester.org.uk) is working with the city and county councils and other local organisations to encourage more of the city’s residents to use their cars less and cycle more.

Sunday, September 22, is World Car Free Day.

For the first time the city council has chosen to celebrate the day by closing off Lowesmoor to all traffic and using the space to offer a range of fun activities for all the family.

The intention is that all who attend leave their cars at home and walk or cycle to the event. Hopefully by doing so it will encourage more people to think about reducing their car use throughout the year.

To encourage you here’s a list of some of the reasons why cycling more instead of using your car for every journey makes sense.

It's Healthier

The biggest benefit is that by cycling regularly you get the exercise needed to stay healthy and burn off those calories to keep you weight down. Doing so significantly reduces your risk of coronary heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

It also boosts your immune system and improves your mental health by helping you de-stress.

What’s often not realised is that in a car air pollution levels from traffic fumes are nine times as great as for someone who’s cycling or walking.

It's Cheaper

Cars are expensive. As well as the purchase cost they need to be regularly filled with fuel, taxed, insured and serviced. Add in depreciation and the annual cost of running a car exceed £3,500 a year.

For most of us having a car is almost a necessity so its unlikely that we’ll go 100 per cent car fee. Bikes on the other hand are comparatively cheap to buy and have low running costs.

They’re a great alternative to owning a second car. Even if you need a car for longer journeys and the large weekly grocery shop, using it less and cycling more still reduces the cost of car ownership.

As well as not having to fill the tank as often, driving fewer miles will reduce your insurance and maintenance costs and increase your car’s resale value. Driving short distances and the regular stop start in traffic are what cause most of the wear and tear that increases service costs.

It's Quicker and More Reliable

Cycling around the City and especially when there’s congestion is almost always quicker than driving. You can usually cycle door to door and have no problem in finding a parking space.

On a bike you can often avoid delays caused by road repairs, traffic accidents, breakdowns and congestion.

You’ll also save time and money by not having to set aside time for exercise and that expensive gym membership.

It Helps Society

A bicycle has one of the lowest carbon footprints of all modes of transport. It causes no air pollution and contributes very little to noise pollution.

By using a bicycle rather than your car you’ll help to ease congestion, reduce wear and tear on our roads and free up parking spaces. By staying healthy you’ll take fewer sick days, be more productive at work and be less of a burden on the NHS.

So why not give it a try and cycle down to celebrate Worcester’s first Car Free Sunday on Lowesmoor between noon and 3pm on September 22.