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How do you feel when you arrive at the office in the morning after being stuck in traffic or on the train? Like many people, you're probably a little upset and nervous. And you may have found yourself envious of cyclists overtaking long lines of cars or crossing railway tracks... So why not give it a try?
Facts about cycling
Some countries, like the Netherlands, have long embraced cycling, while others debate the benefits and risks of this mode of transportation. Let's take a closer look...
Cycling, good for the body and mind
First of all, cycling is the most efficient means of muscular locomotion there is! 1 Simply because the bicycle carries most of our weight, it significantly reduces the strain on the entire body. Cycling requires three times less energy than walking to cover the same distance.
Next, cycling has many benefits for the body and mind, such as maintaining good cardiovascular health, strengthening muscles or improving posture, joint mobility, flexibility and coordination. It also helps reduce stress, anxiety and depression. 2 Cycling can also reduce the likelihood of developing serious diseases such as type 2 diabetes and arthritis, making it an excellent form of exercise for those who are sedentary.
Generally speaking, cycling, as a low-impact exercise, is suitable for everyone: young and old alike. Likewise, it doesn't matter if you simply cycle to work every morning or are training for a triathlon: cycling is beneficial regardless of the intensity at which you do it.
Finally, cycling is good for your health, but also for the environment! By leaving your car in the garage, we reduce air and noise pollution and ease traffic jams. The result: a better quality of life for everyone.
Avoid obstacles
Even though the many benefits of cycling have been demonstrated, there is still some controversy over its supposed risks, which are often presented in rather unsophisticated terms. For example, some people go so far as to simply call it "dangerous." 3 But in reality, accidents involving cyclists are proportionally rare in all countries. 4
Given the health benefits of cycling, it could also be argued that not cycling is more dangerous than cycling. If you use common sense and wear reflective clothing, stick to cycle lanes, obey the Highway Code, and pay attention to traffic, you should be safe. It's also important to check your bike's condition and settings carefully and regularly to ensure you can travel with peace of mind.
The cyclist inspires
Want to cycle more? Then get inspired!
First things first: is that bike that's been sitting in your shed for years okay? Does it just need a wipe down, a quick service, and a few adjustments? Or a full checkup at a specialist shop? If you have a sturdy, reliable bike that you've loved for years, don't hesitate to invest a little effort and maybe money into improving it. If you think your bike has had its day, visit a shop to check out the new models available. In any case, don't skimp on the essentials before you get out riding.
How about cycling to the office? 5 Those who have swapped cars for bicycles to commute to work say they have a completely new perspective on their neighborhood. They discover pretty streets, shops, and scenery. Traffic jams are rare on bikes (except perhaps in some major cities), making commutes much more enjoyable. If you're worried about arriving at work sweaty, remember that cycling doesn't have to be strenuous to be beneficial. Just allow a little extra time to ride at a comfortable speed.
If you don't own a bike and live in a big city, chances are you can find a two-wheel rental service. And if you're spending the weekend in a capital city, consider renting a bike instead of taking public transportation (which is often expensive). Before you leave, check if this type of service is available where you're going, and pack comfortable clothes for cycling.
Increasingly, enthusiasts are inviting their colleagues, friends, and family to support them in their sporting challenges, the aim of which is to raise funds for charities and raise awareness. Cycling trips or races (such as Argentina-Chile, for example) are excellent opportunities to have a good time and contribute to a good cause.
And don't forget: cycling is a great family activity. We all remember the moment we, or our children, managed to balance on a bicycle for the first time – what an achievement! So get out there, take your loved ones cycling with you, have fun, and create unforgettable memories.
- https://www.exploratorium.edu/cycling/humanpower1.html [ ↩ ]
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/11813-2017061511813 [ ↩ ]
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-39856219 [ ↩ ]
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/cycling-health-benefits [ ↩ ]
- https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/cycling-commute-bike-work-train-traffic-pollution-danger-a7906361.html [ ↩ ]