Photo credit to Nextbike/Unsplash
The benefits of cycling go beyond physical fitness. On the personal level, it gives the rider an exhilarating experience of feeling the wind brush against his face. It also allows him a certain freedom of movement and travel. Likewise, cycling cuts petrol expenses that one would have spent when using a car. And, of course, the environment is happy to breathe uncontaminated air from vehicular exhausts.
In 2020 while the COVID-19 lockdown was strictly enforced, we witnessed remarkable improvements in the environment. For one, we got clearer views of places and structures that were otherwise covered in smog. The peaks of the Himalayan mountain range became visible for the first time in many years. That happened because the atmosphere was cleared of fumes from vehicles. And, we experienced breathing fresher air. People, then, turned to the bicycle as a mode of transport.
What an amazing experience that was! Of course, we don’t want the circumstance that brought the “fresher air experience” back again. But, we can make cycling a regular habit. After all, a bicycle ride offers more benefits to us than a car does.
Benefits of Cycling
I think it’s a sensible thing to continue using the bicycle now. We need to keep fit as we aren’t past the pandemic yet. And, even beyond pandemic, let’s use the bike as our mode of transport to and from work. Come to think of the benefits we can get from it.
Biking is Fun
Let’s start with the fun side of it, instead of directly saying it is a form of exercise. You see, many people dread the term “exercise”. They view it as a boring and tiresome thing to do. On the contrary, biking is fun when you do it with your family or loved ones. It’s a perfect bonding activity.
It Keeps Children and Teens From a Sedentary Lifestyle
Truly, electronic entertainment successfully keeps children and teens glued to their seats for hours. There is nothing wrong with electronic gaming, per se, for as long as it is done in moderation. But, at the rate it’s happening now, many young people prefer to hang around their gadgets for hours on end. Subconsciously or not, they turn to a sedentary lifestyle. And, this is dangerous for their overall health. Not to mention addiction. Parents need to address this issue and keep their kids more active.
It Opens Opportunities to Meet People
When you go out biking, you get the chance of meeting new faces. So, it’s a great opportunity to build new networks of friends and, potential associates. Isn’t it great to exchange ideas with people who share similar interest? Biking on weekends and holidays allows you to meet and greet your neighbors.
Cycling Reduces Stress and Improves Productivity at Work
For how could you be stressed when you’re having fun! Biking also helps reduce your anxiety and depression. Yes, the pandemic causes many to be anxious and depressed. So, you might as well avoid these negativity to pull you down. Pedalling slowly gives you an opportunity to appreciate more of the nuances of your surroundings.
Improves Your Wellbeing
Among the many advantages you get from regular bike commuting include:
- an increase in your blood circulation and joint mobility
- a boost on your energy level
- it increases your cardiovascular fitness
- strengthens your bones and muscles, and improves its flexibility
- improves your posture and coordination
- reduces your body fat levels
- helps you manage your ailment
- increases your metabolic rate
It Allows You to Save on Health Care Expenses
Of course, when you manage your health well, you cut down a big chunk on medication expenses.
Biking Helps You Reduce Weight
Let’s face it! The pandemic led many to gain weight, especially during the lockdown and strict health protocols. As we were compelled to stay at home most of the time, we turned to food and sat idly by. So, instead of doing nothing, why don’t we go biking to burn those excess body fat and build muscles!
Frees You From Traffic Congestion
You will not get stuck in vehicular traffic because you are going to use the bike lanes. This is advantageous especially if you bike to work.
It Saves You Travel Money
When you switch from car use to bike commute, you cut a considerable amount on these aspects:
- petrol – we all know too well how petrol prices can fluctuate anytime
- tires
- fluids
- maintenance
- washing
- parking – this can be very frustrating and time-consuming
Biking Helps Minimize Deforestation
When you advocate a cycling culture, you help reduce deforestation of rubber plantations and biofuel crops. A bicycle requires only a little amount of rubber and lubricant compared with either motor vehicles or cars do.
Biking Causes Low Impact on the Environment
When it comes to air and noise pollution, cycling produces minimal or zero-emission. According to a study conducted by the European Cyclists Federation (ECF),
“By accurate calculations, however, biking does emit carbon dioxide. But at only 21 grams per kilometre, its emission is still way lower than that of cars and other modes of transport. An average car emits 271 grams and a bus 101 grams. This calculation includes emissions related to production, maintenance, and fuel¹.
Bottom Line
Cycling serves us a lot of better things than we can imagine. And, not only humans benefit from it. The flora and fauna also get the chance to breathe cleaner air.
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¹“CO2 Emissions From Cycling Revealed”. https://www.eta.co.uk/2011/12/13/co2-emissions-from-cycling-revealed/. 13 December 2011. Web. 7 October 2014.
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