Why I ride a bike? It is fun and it makes me happy! Do you remember how much fun riding a bike was when you were a kid? Guess what, it is still is! Riding a bike is exercise and good for the environment, but it is much more. Why should you bicycle and what is so great about a bike? If you have to ask, you don’t know! If it has been a while since you rode your bike, here are some reasons to start.
A bicycle can save money, improve fitness, save the environment and remove a car from the road. Remember when you were a child and you got your first bike? You were probably around seven years old and got your first two-wheeler. Suddenly, you had independence! If you were like me, you could ride around the neighborhood with your friends. It was a social experience and you had transportation. I remember getting my first bike on my seventh birthday and how much it had riding around.
Why ride a bike?
- Exercise – You get to burn calories in a fun way. I burn 800-1,000 calories every time I ride and have fun doing it! You can exercise in a gym, health club, or some place in your home, but riding a bicycle is more enjoyable!. It reminds me of when I was a kid; you just rode your bike with your friends. You exercised without knowing it! Save the cost of a health club membership and start riding a bike.
- Transportation – You can use a bike for errands; commute to work or instead of a car. Alternate transportation such as a bicycle is being encouraged by cities across the country. You can save on parking, fuel and reduce stress. Do you commute to work? You could use it as a second “car.” It is an excellent way to reduce your cost of transportation. Bicycles cost a lot less and maintain.
- Environment – Whenever you can take a car off the road, it is good for all of us. It saves on fuel, oil, greenhouse gases, car repairs and replacement, pollution, noise pollution, traffic congestion, construction of roads/highways/parking lots and you avoid traffic jams. In addition, riding a bicycle allows you to notice the scenery as you ride. Bicycle manufacturing produces fewer production emissions and need for metals than other forms of transportation.
- Health – Exercise improves your health. Any form of exercise is good for you, riding a bicycle is an enjoyable way to improve your health. Almost any form of exercise is good for you, but perhaps not as enjoyable. If you can find an exercise routine that you enjoy, you are more likely to maintain it. The outcome is measurable in improved fitness, weight control, mental outlook and you will live longer. Physical activity is contagious and the whole family will join in which is a good thing. You can get fit without spending much and trying too hard.
- Social – It is a good excuse to meet people! Common interests facilitate social situations and it is much better (cheaper) than going to a bar. This is a good family activity! I used to put my child on a baby carrier seat on my bike. You get to spend quality time with your spouse or partner. My wife and I would use bikes to see a city and we would just stop along the way for lunch or to sightsee. You can also join a bicycle club to meet people who have your interests too.
Final thoughts
I ride a bike because it makes me happy! It makes me happy because I feel good when I am done! I get my exercise in and have fun at the same time. I do not need a fancy health club membership or a lot of equipment. A simple (inexpensive) bicycle is good enough to get an excellent workout. I even get to use it for transportation and reduce my expenses. I have been riding a bike for over twenty (20) years and the health benefits are significant.
I look younger than my (67 years old) age; it boosts my energy level, helps my creativity, reduces stress, lowers healthcare expenses, makes me more productive and makes me cool. Bicycling reduces pollution; parking is usually free, good for the environment, saves money and a lifelong activity. What are you waiting for? You probably have not rode a bicycle since you were a kid, but it is time to start again. These were some of the reasons, why I ride a bike!
Photo by: Flickr
I love riding my bike, biking is just one of the best ways to improve our health. I remember before, my professor uses his bike every time he goes to work, he had a health problem before and his doctor advised him that he needs to have a better exercise and one of it is biking.
Biking and swimming are probably the best thanks to the low impact on our bodies.
We love riding our bikes. In fact, ours are in the shop right now (we have free maintenance on our bikes for one year) and we are picking them up today. Can’t wait to ride them again!
Bike paths and cycling is starting to become fashionable. I just wish the (car) drivers would be more considerate with cyclists. I had mine tuned up and parts (crank & rear cassette) replaced in March. My bike is 20+ years old and still going. Summertime, I ride 6 days a week (90 minutes).
I have a bike, which I use often, but I don’t ride it to work even though I could. The reason I don’t do it is because my fiancee is afraid of riding bicycles on the street (she had a bad accident once) and since we commute together to work, well I don’t ride it. I’ll try to ride it during those days where we drive separately to work, but those days are few.
I had a bad accident on the street about 12 years ago. I try to ride very little on the street too. I use bike paths or streets that have light traffic.
I used to live in Tucson, Arizona which is one of the most bike friendly cities in the US. I definitely saw the power of the social community around bike riding. Its a great way to connect with people while saving some money.
I find bicycle riders are pretty friendly and helpful. I wish Los Angeles were more bike friendly, but it probably will take time.
Fantastic reasons, all!
Our little town is well behind the curve, and riding a bike can be pretty dangerous around here. I’m President of a little non-profit that’s creating safe pedestrian areas around town. It’s a slow go, but reading your article is great motivation to “keep on the gas” with our mission.
Go for it! One step at a time works.
Wish biking would catch on more in North America. But lucky I live in the top biking spot in Canada. Victoria BC! Great to see retirees still biking everywhere out here.
I hope I live long enough to see a change in attitude. In the meantime, I can still ride for fun and exercise. Vancouver is beautiful place to ride. When I visited, I walked the entire city.