Biking is a popular activity for both fitness lovers and environmentally-conscious commuters across the country. Not only is it a healthy behavior that encourages wellness, but it also reduces the carbon footprint of the individual.
It is also a great way to save money on vehicle costs. Truly, there are very few negatives if you want to take up cycling as a form of travel, exercise, or just a hobby.
Before you invest in your first bike or refurbish the one that has been sitting in your garage untouched for decades, here are a few things that you need to be aware of with this wonderful activity.
There are, as mentioned before, multiple benefits to cycling, especially in terms of health. It can help you lose weight and work your muscles, but it can also boost your mental health, getting you outside in the fresh air and feeling good about your fitness regimen. Other benefits include saving money on gas, being more environmentally conscious, avoiding heavy traffic in urban areas, and having a fun hobby to engage with others. It is very easy to plan a calm and easy bike ride with family members or friends along a fun route or bike path, which will benefit your mental health and improve the relationships that are important to you.
If you are planning to become a biker, then you need to know about the dangers as well. You are likely sharing the road with vehicles or the sidewalk with other pedestrians. This means that you need to ride in a way that protects yourself and other people. Unfortunately, not all drivers keep their eyes peeled for bikers, and you may end up needing to file an injury claim to cover damages if you get hit by a negligent driver. Know the rules of the road when it comes to cycling, wear a helmet, employ flashers/reflective gear at night, and only bike where you are allowed to go.
If you want to take up cycling as part of your commute, then your whole morning routine may need to shift. Perhaps you will have to leave earlier than normal to make up for a slower vehicle than your normal car. Maybe you live in a city and biking to work will get you there faster due to traffic congestion. In that case, you might have more time in the morning. If the commute will leave you sweaty before work, does the office have showers available so you can get cleaned up there? There are many things to consider if you are choosing to commute to work via bicycle, so be ready to adjust your morning routine to fit this new habit.
One of the largest benefits of biking is the ability to experience the outdoors. Whether this is a new way to commute or just an excuse for a joyride, being outside can boost your mental health and allow you to get in touch with nature. Look for some local bike paths nearby that will take you through the woods or past an impressive landscape. Find a country road nearby that will allow you to cruise every once in a while and take in the scenery. Breathe in that fresh air deeply and enjoy the freedom that comes with being able to ride wherever you want, (to an extent). Biking is such a versatile activity that can help you connect with nature wherever you choose to ride.
The older you get, the more careful you have to be with your body. Bones start to become more fragile, muscles tend to weaken, and your joints may be aching. Finding low-impact exercises is critical for promoting health in your old age safely. Biking is the perfect activity to achieve this goal. It is something that you can enjoy at any age, from childhood to the golden years. This makes it easy for families to ride together, with children joining their parents and even grandparents for a low-intensity exercise, depending on where you ride of course. It can also be used as a fun date idea for fitness-loving partners.
Obviously, biking has a lot of benefits. It supports both physical and mental health, is a great alternative to driving, and is versatile enough to appeal to many different lifestyles. One last thing you should know is what kind of riding you want to do. Will you be going on long rides that push you to the limits? Do you prefer off-road biking on trails? Is this just to get you from point A to point B for work? This will determine what type of bike you should invest in. Hit the road, (or path or sidewalk), and enjoy the ride.
