In the fast-paced world we live in, it’s all about getting from point A to point B in excellent time. Cars, buses and motorcycles are the go-to means of transportation for many of us, as they get us where we need to go faster than any other medium. But in this health and environmentally conscious time we live in, more and more people are choosing to ride a bicycle where they need to go, whenever possible. Bike riding has also reemerged as an incredibly popular pastime during the more favorable seasons.
So, why is bike riding surging back into heightened popularity? Well, there are many reasons for this. But instead of listing them all (and taking forever to do so), we’ve decided to highlight 8 of our favorite reasons to get on a bike and ride.
Why is Bike Riding so Good for You?
Everyone knows that riding a bicycle is a great way to get in some exercise. Exercise boosts a person’s mood, increases physical fitness, and benefits every system within the body. But there are other benefits to bicycle riding that you should know about, if you don’t already.
Save Money by Commuting via Bike
It’s no secret that cars are expensive, and bus or rideshare fees can stack up pretty quickly. If you live and work in an area where bicycling is something that you can reasonably do, you stand to save some money by commuting on your bicycle whenever possible. This can greatly reduce how much you spend on gas and routine maintenance on your personal vehicle, as well.
Increase Your Vitamin D Intake
Unless you’re spending a lot of time outside or taking a vitamin D supplement, there’s a very good chance that you aren’t getting enough of this essential vitamin in your life. A lack of vitamin D is one element that is suspected to contribute to the emerge of seasonal depression – when the days are short, and the nights are long. Low vitamin D is also associated with certain cancers and heart disease.
While bike riding won’t save your life, an increased amount of vitamin D in your body will help you to have a higher quality of life. And you get this benefit from spending only 15 minutes on a bike each day!
See the Locals When on Vacation
When you travel to a new location, you’re going to want to immerse yourself into the life that bustles around you. While there are many great sights to see from the comfort of a car or guided bus tour, there’s nothing quite like getting on a bike and riding through the avenues of a new city – or even a more rural setting. Many locations give visitors the opportunity to rent a bike and go on a tour. These tours can be self-guided or offered by a licensed guide.
Regardless of which type of tour you embark on, doing so atop a bicycle is a great experience that you should try out at least once.
Get Acquainted with Your Own Neighborhood
If you’ve only ever driven or been driven anywhere in your own neighborhood, there’s probably a lot that you aren’t seeing. After all, a car can’t go everywhere, can it? Riding a bike, even casually down the streets of your neighborhood, will afford you a chance to see what passes you buy when you’ve got four wheels and an engine taking you where you need to go.
Enjoy Low Impact Exercise
Running, for example, is a great way to move but can wreak havoc on joints if you’re not the most physically active person or if you have a condition that negatively impacts joint health. Bicycling is much more low impact in comparison to running, which is explosive and dynamic. The more fluid movements associated with bike riding can still cause some aches and pains, but nowhere near as badly as running. You’re much less likely to damage ligaments and tendons when you take up bike riding over running.
It’s Easy to Monitor Progress
Courtesy of a world of exercise-tracking apps on smart phones and watches, you can track your progress in real time! Isn’t it satisfying to see how far you’ve progressed in your fitness endeavors? It was hard to do this before the technological innovations in smart technology. It’s easier than it’s ever been to monitor your progress and push yourself to be better and better each day.
Do Your Part in Helping the Environment
It’s no secret that the environment is in trouble, so many of us are trying to minimize our carbon footprint and reduce emissions in our own ways. For those who can, bicycling more often than riding in a car is a small but important step forward. In the United States alone, nearly 1/3rd of all emissions are caused by motor vehicles. While one person riding a bike instead of driving won’t save the world, it can be a small part of a larger effort on the part of an entire community.
Anybody of Any Size Can do it
Those of any weight – from very slim to morbidly obese – can successfully ride a bike and get the benefits that we’ve got listed above. While it might take some time to build up your stamina and endurance, you might be astonished at how great you feel when you get into the swing of things. You don’t need to be a fitness buff to ride a bike and get healthier this way. All you need is the determination and a bicycle that you feel comfortable riding.
Don’t let anything stop you from bike riding. Chances are you did it when you were a kid, and it really is as they say – it’s easy to get back on. If you haven’t ridden in a while, there might be some time where you need to get comfortable again. But once you do, you and your body stand to benefit from it!