Cycling

The True Cost of a PCP vs a Second-Hand Used Car

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PCP vs a Second-Hand Used Car

For many families in the UK, owning a car is a necessity. Our public transport is underdeveloped for the modern world, many live rurally with no access to other means of transport. Having a car is a requirement for many.

However, cars are a method of transportation and should be viewed as such. The rise in car finance (namely PCPs) has seen this change with the car fast becoming a status symbol for many. However, with the meteoric rise in car finance, expensive cars have become widespread.

But did you know this method of financing that car can have a profound impact on financial stability and overall quality of life?

Since their introduction in 2008 PCPs have seen a huge growth in popularity. The consumer car finance market is the largest of the UK consumer credit markets accounting for 36% of the total value of outstanding consumer credit contracts at the end of September 2024

One of the most common financing methods is a Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), where consumers pay a deposit and monthly payments for a brand-new vehicle, often upgrading to another new model every three years.

But what is the opportunity cost of this? What are you potentially leaving on the table? Have you ever zoomed out and wondered what would be if you broke the chain and kept a car longer? Let’s explore the true cost of your PCP vs a Second-Hand used car.

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EV vs eBike – Why Are People Choosing EVs Over eBikes?

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EV Vs eBike

As someone who enjoys using a bike for short trips, I’ve always been baffled by the fact that eBikes haven’t been pushed harder by governments—or should I say the UK government? Those who enjoy cycling will know of the benefits of cycling in the Netherlands vs. the UK but the age-old debate of a flat country will always rear its head. But what about eBikes and why aren’t we using them?

With modern eBikes boasting an 80+ mile range, minimal charging costs, and easy storage, they seem like an obvious choice for short commutes. Yet, the popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) has skyrocketed as a genuine ‘clean’ option (although subjective) vs an ICE car.

So, why is this? Is it cultural? Are government incentives swaying the market? Or is it a combination of factors?

Our focus here at Family Cycling is to make your life better so I wanted to explore why an eBike should be a genuine option for you from a health and financial perspective. 

Let’s break it down and explore whether an eBike could be a better alternative to purchasing a brand-new EV.

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When Should a Child Learn to Ride a Bike?

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What Age Should You Learn to ride a bike

Learning to ride a bike is a milestone in a child’s life, not just for the physical benefits but also for the confidence and independence it fosters. The question of when a child should learn to ride a bike really should be as EARLY as possible. Of course, we are biased here at Family Cycling 🙂

Our daughter was 4 years old when she was comfortable pedalling, and our son is of a similar age and can cycle, too (although he needs a little more persuasion).

But the question of when is the best age for a child to begin cycling, and how to support them through the process, is one that many parents face.

While the age range can vary depending on the child, evidence suggests that starting early can be immensely beneficial.

In this article, we explore the optimal ages, key stages, and the importance of early cycling, with insights from the UK and other successful countries, including the Netherlands and the Nordic region.

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Case Study: Walking & Cycling to Secondary School – Can we get to 60%?

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Walking Cycling Secondary School

As part of our case study into walking and cycling, we wanted to look at the impact of getting more secondary school students to walk or cycle to school.

The numbers are currently ‘ok’ but should be better. At secondary school age, the freedom and autonomy of cycling/walking to school should be something that is embraced. But what impact could it have on emissions, air quality and the level of cars on the road? Not only that but can it have a positive impact on the mental and physical health of our teenagers?

The scenario-based case study below looks at an 18% rise in students embracing active travel across England to get to and from school.

The elephant in the room when it comes to cars is that we have too many people driving. We haven’t the space or infrastructure to accommodate the level of journeys via car and as such congestion will get worse before getting better.

Let’s dive into the numbers, shall we?

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Case Study: The Impact of Switching to Cycling for Short Family Journeys

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Second Hand Bike

I’ve always been a fan of case studies. They are an excellent way for someone to visualise a situation and are incredibly relatable.

We’ve banged the drum about the importance of cycling to school for the children and parents alike. The data shows it benefits your kids hugely and I have two examples of my own children who couldn’t visualise any other way to get to school, whether via bike or on foot. Once the habits are ingrained they are difficult to break. 

But what about specific numbers and outcomes, and how can we make YOU want to do the same? Introducing our case study series. These will document real-life & fictional families and the benefits of switching your lifestyle to one which is more active. These will look at the financial, social and health benefits of doing so. Not only that but the time angle where if you provide your kids with the tools for independence early, it’s something which will benefit you as adults too in the long run!

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New Financed Car vs a Second-hand car – Why you should switch? (and cycle too!)

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New Financed Car vs a Second-hand car

As you may or may not have worked out I’m not a huge fan of car finance deals and PCPS’s. They trap many people into incredibly expensive finance deals and burden them with huge monthly payments. They are inflexible and unnecessary. Most of the recent tech with cars is tech for the sake of it! I’d much prefer to have the money in my pocket to shape my life in different ways.

In the years of low interest rates, you could argue that having a brand-new car with a monthly payment was worth it. I think those days are gone now. Your typical car finance is nearly 6.9% and many families face the burden of hefty car finance payments, often exceeding £400 per month. With rising living costs and the growing cost of living crisis, more people are questioning whether a new, financed car is truly worth the expense. I would recommend all families question the popular narrative and look at the difference it could make to their lives if they opt out of this.

Families can enjoy significant financial, health, and social benefits by opting for a reliable second-hand vehicle and incorporating cycling into daily routines.

Let’s explore this transformational shift in depth and provide several scenarios to help you make what I believe is a life-changing decision for your health and your wealth. 

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Cycling the Trans Pennine Trail: Denby Dale to Skelmanthorpe Route Review

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Denby Dale to Skelmanthorpe Route Review

As a Wakefield-based user of the Trans Pennine Trail, we wanted to explore some areas outside our home patch. We’ve always liked Denby Dale and Skelmanthorpe. They feel like a throwback to the traditional past of the area. Imagine my delight when analysing the local Trans Pennine Trail routes and I noticed that there’s a connection between Denby Dale and Skelmanthorpe and it’s largely all off-road.

This small section of the Trans Pennine Trail connects the two villages nicely and we couldn’t wait to try it out. We used the car for this one to transport our bikes to the area as we were short of time and we are firmly in the ‘leisure cyclist’ camp.

Starting at Gilthwaites Lane in Denby Dale (Next to Denby Dale Primary School), the route follows a trail winding through a serene mix of open fields and woodland before arriving in Skelmanthorpe. The mast at Emley Moor is always in your eyesight on this trip and although short it’s a nice simple route.

While only a short stretch, this portion of the trail provides a valuable link for locals, offering a practical walking route, enjoyable leisure rides and a way for students of Shelley College to walk independently and safely to school. 

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Cycling the Trans Pennine Trail: Sandal Train Station to Anglers Country Park Route Review

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Sandal Train Station to Anglers Country Park Route Review

I am fortunate to live close to the Trans Pennine Trail. I can easily reach the Wakefield sections from my front door and other sections within a short drive. This section is the link from my daughters’ school to Anglers Country Park (and beyond for those with more time).

I try to focus on rides of approximately 60-70 minutes. These are more convenient and consistent and can be part of an everyday exercise routine. Sandal Train Station is not part of the Trans Pennine Trail, but a multi-use section has been authorised for use and it links nicely with Oakenshaw Lane in Walton to create a mostly off-road cycle experience.

Exploring the Trans Pennine Trail is always a delight, and the route from Sandal Train Station to Anglers Country Park via Walton offers a perfect mix of history, nature, and cycling fun.

This stretch provides a stable and scenic ride suitable for beginner to intermediate cyclists, with a few narrow and uneven paths to challenge your balance and concentration. Here, we’ll delve into the route details, its history, and why it’s worth considering for your next adventure.

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Cycling the Calder & Hebble Navigation: Wakefield to Dewsbury Route Review

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Calder Hebble Navigation Cycle Review

The Calder & Hebble Navigation towpath is a route I’ve taken a few times but never written up here but it’s one many would enjoy. It’s flat, easy to navigate (it’s a canal so pretty straight!) and suitable for varying ability levels.

If you are looking for a relaxed jaunt on your bike with nice scenery and a flashback to Wakefield’s industrial past, this is a cool route. I took the route from the Navigation in Calder Grove to Dewsbury.  This route spans approximately 6.5 miles (10.5 km), making it an ideal choice for cyclists seeking a manageable yet rewarding journey.

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Am I too old to ride my bike? – What age can I start cycling?

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Am i too old to ride my bike?

‘Isn’t cycling something you do when you are a kid?’

I’ve heard this a lot, and it’s a common reason people don’t cycle. People forget that it’s the most efficient mode of transport available (in more ways than one) and unrivalled for their mental well-being. But what age is too old to stop cycling or to start cycling? Is this a case of if you missed the window of opportunity it’s gone? Of course not!

Cycling is a timeless activity, enjoyed by people of all ages around the world. Whether you’re a child taking your first spin on two wheels, a young adult commuting to work, or a senior rediscovering the joy of riding, cycling offers something for everyone. The benefits extend far beyond the physical, touching every aspect of health, well-being, and daily life.

The world has also changed so much that the barrier to entry couldn’t be better. With eBikes, inexpensive second-hand bikes and the ability for anyone to repair; it’s something which should be encouraged and enjoyed by those of all ages.

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