What are the actual benefits of cycling? "Nothing compares to the simple joy of riding a bike." - that's what former U.S. President John F. Kennedy said. But what is it about riding a bike that actually gives you pleasure? Is it the relaxation, the flexibility or the sustainable way of getting around?
In this article, I'll introduce you to the most important benefits of cycling - and at the same time the most stirring reasons to get back on your bike more often. Let's go!
Tip: If you are in the mood for more inspiring Quotes About Cycling then just have a look at the linked collection of sayings.
10 advantages of cycling
I used to ride my bike because I hardly had any other alternative in the countryside. Today, I also ride my bike in the city because it combines so many different positive advantages. Yes, it's more strenuous than driving a car, taking the Öffi's or riding a scooter - that may be. But the wealth of benefits for health, the environment, and city living, can't be ignored.
1. on the bike you experience more
By car, you're traveling too fast to see the small details of a route. And on foot, you're too slow to spot as many of the stimuli in your environment as possible. With a bike, you'll ride at the perfect pace to experience more. You hear every sound and see every movement along the way. If you want to know what makes a place tick, get on your bike more often.
2. the bicycle is environmentally friendly
At the latest in times of Climate change, one of the biggest environmental problems of our time, the sustainability of cycling becomes the big trump card. The bicycle only causes CO2 emissions during production - perhaps we can also add the calories of the food we eat and burn while pedaling. (see Shape nutrition sustainably)
But ultimately, cycling itself does not emit any greenhouse gases and thus gets us from A to B in a climate-friendly way without causing harmful emissions. Bicycles are the key to the sustainable mobility the future.
3. the bike is quiet
On a functional and non-rattling bike we can enjoy the silence of nature. Every chirping of birds, every crackling in the forest. At the same time, compared to the noisy airplane or car, it is not a burden on other people or animals. A very decisive advantage of cycling, in my opinion. If everyone rode a bicycle, we wouldn't need noise barriers or noise filters.
4. cycling is healthy
Besides the peace and quiet of cycling, it supports our health in many other ways. Who outdoors in nature cycling is a great way to get some fresh air. You boost your fat metabolism and burn a lot of calories. In addition, your coordination improves and your heart and circulation get going. Cycling reduces stress and releases happiness hormones. This also allows us in the evening sleep better. Yes, in principle, cycling is meditation in motion. Almost like a short vacation.
5. the bike is space saving
You need for your bike No extra garage and even the search for a parking space is usually uncomplicated. You simply take the nearest tree or street sign on the corner. Unlike the cars, bicycles also do not clog the cities. Roads and parking lots must be asphalted only for space-intensive and mostly with combustion engine running cars.
Notice: The sealing of soils naturally also deprives many animals of their habitat - and thus also ensures the Decline in biodiversity.
6. a bike is cheap
Of course - this statement is debatable. What does cheap mean? You can get a used bike for 100 euros - and get a new electric bike for 2,500 euros. Ultimately, everyone has to weigh this up according to their financial scope and personal wishes. But compared to the car, the bicycle is cheap in any case. Both in the purchase and in the use. Those who ride a bike more often, can definitely Save money sustainably - no ticket prices, no fuel costs - and the repairs are, compared to the car, also much cheaper.
7. with the bike you are fast on the road
Of course, it also "depends" here. In the countryside, you may reach your destination faster by car. But in the narrow cities can simply drive past the stop-and-go traffic and quickly times take a shortcut. You don't have to refuel or wait for the next train either. The latter can even fail times and cost a lot of time. This advantage can play the wheel especially in the dense cities.
8. the bike makes you more flexible
Logical, isn't it? With the bike you are independent from subway, streetcar and bus. And if you want, you can use the use public transport even in combination with your bike. For example, we often grab our bike, take the train out of Berlin, and then go for a relaxing bike ride in Brandenburg.
Either way, in the end you can react faster to changes in plans or if you forget something, and you don't have to get a new train ticket or drive back through the stowed city. With the bike you are absolutely free on the road.
9. cycling becomes safer and safer
A frequently cited disadvantage of the bicycle is safety. But cycling is the future - which is why more and more cities are developing new transport concepts to deliberately expand their cycling infrastructure. In Berlin, more and more bike lanes are colored green and at dangerous intersections, the green becomes red. Conspicuous for cyclists - and conspicuous for every motorist.
There are also real trailblazers among European cities that have proven to be particularly bike-friendly. These include Copenhagen, for example - where a full 65 percent of all residents cycle to work or school.₁
The loan offers are also improving: Basically, you can now quickly rent a bike (via app) in any German city.
10. variety of bikes leaves nothing to be desired
"Bicycles may change, but cycling is timeless," said US journalist Zapata Espinoza. He should be right - today we enjoy a variety of different types of bikes, because cycling is still incredibly popular. Whether tandem, folding bike, fitness bike, tricycle, wheelchair bike, racing bike, BMX, electric bike or cargo bike. Depending on personal needs, you can choose a particular type.
Tip: Look with pleasure times with Two-wheel power.com to find out which bike is best for you.
Can you think of any other benefits of riding a bike? Then always give it to me in the comments!
Riding a bike - recognizing and using advantages
Cycling is great - I think the benefits to you, other people and our environment make that clear. I hope you now really feel like getting on your bike more often and convincing others to join you, too.
Do you have any questions, other benefits or your own experiences with cycling that you would like to share? Then just write me a comment.
Stay sustainable,
PS.: Not everything can be regulated by bicycle! Look therefore with pleasure in the contribution about sustainable drivingto be more environmentally friendly on four wheels in the future.
References:
₁ European Union: Quality of Life Opinion Survey in 75 European Cities (as of March 2010), available at https://t1p.de/xfb1. [03.06.2020].
Thank you very much for listing the various benefits of cycling! In my case, it is especially the environmental and health aspects that have prompted me to resolve to ride my bike much more regularly in the future. My old bike is now unusable, so a new one is needed first. I don't have too high demands, because it should only bring me safely to my destinations, for which I don't necessarily need the car.
Cycling has also had a very positive effect on my health. On the one hand, my condition is much better, and on the other hand, after all these years, my metabolism is doing a much better job than before. In my region, city bikes are particularly popular, as they often get you to your destination faster than by car.
Cycling has only advantages, healthy for you and for the environment 😀 And if you want to be a little faster on the road, an e-bike or an e-city bike is the perfect companion. Best regards
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