Why should you start cycling?

Have you ever considered taking up cycling, either as a hobby or a sport, but are not sure if it is the right choice for you? We are here today to lay out why you should start cycling.

1) It is great for your physical health
Biking is an activity for those looking to start or revamp their fitness routine because it has numerous benefits to a person’s physical health. Cycling is a low impact activity, meaning it is perfect for anyone starting out their fitness journey or looking to come back after an injury. No matter where you are on your fitness journey, though, cycling is a smart choice. As an aerobic and cardiovascular activity, cycling has long-lasting positive effects on your heart health. Studies have shown that consistent cycling helps lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels, decreasing your risk for cardiovascular diseases and heart attacks. Cycling also helps improve quality of sleep, lung health, and muscular density. One benefit unique to cycling over other cardio exercises is its ability to improve your balance and coordination.

2) It is good for your mental health, too!
Exercise, and cycling in particular, can have benefits to your mental health. Along with increasing dopamine levels and decreasing feelings of anxiety or depression, cycling allows you to focus and improve your ability to concentrate. Additionally, cycling is a great way to travel and explore! Between bike-packing and group rides, hopping on your bike can be lots of fun.  Easing stress levels and creating lasting memories, there are so many places you can see on two wheels. Nothing quite beats that feeling of gliding along the open road, discovering new terrains, and experiencing the sensation of the wind against your face and the sun on your back. Cycling offers a sense of freedom and adventure that can't be easily matched.

3) It benefits communities & urban development
Cycling is not only helpful for individuals, but also for communities. An increase in cyclists can encourage governments to invest in safer roadways. These changes - wider sidewalks or bikeways - often reduce traffic deaths both for bikers and pedestrians. Additionally, more cyclists means less vehicle congestion, helping make communities cleaner, quieter, and safer.  Cycling can also lead to Increased tourism and community recreation, through biking events and infrastructure such as rail-trails. On an economic scale, cycling can help reduce healthcare and transportation costs, leading to tangible economic savings on both individual and societal scales.

4) It is better for the environment
Cycling also has many positive effects on the environment & health of the planet. Car emissions are one of the leading contributors to air pollution. Choosing to bike to work over taking a car can reduce your personal carbon footprint by 67% and significantly decrease the level of pollution in your local community & beyond. Also, most bikes are also not reliant on an outside source like gas or electricity, only the power of you! Bikes are also much quieter than vehicles, greatly limiting noise pollution.

Celebrated and enjoyed all over the world, cycling has something for everyone. Whether you are looking to get in shape, explore your local landscape, or have fun in a new way, hop on a bike!  Cycling is the perfect activity for every occasion because it benefits your physical and mental health, your community, and the environment. So, the next time you ask yourself, “Should I take up biking?” don’t hesitate before answering “Yes!” Well, what are you waiting for? Go get on your bike and GET OUT THERE!

Citation:

• Cronkleton, Emily. “Cycling Benefits: 12 Reasons Cycling Is Good for You.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 30 May 2023, www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/cycling-benefits.
• Geng, Caitlin. “What Are the Health Benefits of Cycling?” Edited by Amy Elizabeth Wolkin, Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 27 May 2021, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/benefits-of-cycling#health-benefits.
• Hallisey, Karen. “How Riding a Bike Benefits the Environment.” UCLA Transportation, University of California Los Angeles, 11 May 2022, transportation.ucla.edu/blog/how-bike-riding-benefits-environment.
• “How Cycling Benefits the Environment: A Detailed Guide.” Routzz, Routzz, 28 Feb. 2022, routzz.com/blogs/article/how-cycling-benefits-the-environment-a-detailed-guide.
• Kienitz, Heather. “8 Reasons Your Community Should Invest in Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure.” Welcome, Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc., 2024, www.sehinc.com/news/why-your-community-should-invest-bicycle-and-pedestrian-infrastructure.
• Ohlund, Hannah, et al. “Invest in Walking and Cycling for Sustainable, Safe Cities. Here’s How.”World Resources Institute, 3 Dec. 2021, www.wri.org/insights/invest-walking-cycling-sustainable-safe-cities.