May 18, 2015
Many of us in the U.S live within five miles of where we work making it very easy to bicycle to work. It's a healthy way to commute and it's good for the environment. From 2000 to 2013, the number of bicycle commuters in the U.S. grew by more than 62 percent. Anyone can ride a bike it doesn't matter what your age is. Regular cycling has many physical and mental health benefits. National Bike Month is an opportunity to celebrate the unique power of the bicycle and the many reasons we ride.
Riding is good for your body
Cycling is one of the best kind of exercise for keeping fit. It elevates your heart rate, increases strength and stamina and helps with balance and flexibility. It's also a great way to burn calories. Achy joints or weak knees can restrict someone when it comes to physical exercise and cycling is a low impact way to get your body moving. It's one of the best ways to reduce your risk of health problems such as stroke, heart attack, some cancers, depression, diabetes, obesity and arthritis.
Riding is a good stress reliever
Riding a bike is a proven stress releaser. When I ride I know I feel rejuvenated and energized. People often say that when they see me cycling I've usually got a huge smile on my face. Could it make me happy too? Whether you are riding purely for pleasure or for a specific purpose you will feel better through out the day. Like hikers meeting on a country path, the natural human response is to greet and smile those you pass.
It's good for the environment
You are able to go where you want to go and put one less car on the road. You won't be contributing to noise pollution either. There is no polluting exhaust released, no oil or gas consumed. And the energy and materials used to manufacture one automobile could be used to created a hundred bikes.
So get on your bike before the month is up and enjoy some of those benefits cycling brings.
You can't buy happiness but you can buy a bike and that's pretty close!
