Bicycling Benefits (get back on the saddle!)
Millions of people enjoy cycling, but often people don’t cycle much these days as bikes have become too expensive, and people are concerned about road traffic. Also read about bicycling-friendly town planning.
Whether you remember the freedom of whizzing around on your bike as a child, or simply wish to cut back on driving and find safe routes for cycling (and affordably), there are lots of tips and resources out there to help. Town planners can help too, by building more cycling-friendly communities.
Safe Cycling in the City is a useful book for cyclists in in urban areas. It covers choosing the best bikes and clothes, and also covers road safety, braking, gears, and using extra power provided by electric bikes.
Cycling boosts heart health
Cycling gets your heart working, which is one of the best ways to keep it strong. Regular rides help lower your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and strokes. Even gentle cycling raises your heart rate and improves blood flow.
This supports the delivery of oxygen to muscles and organs, which keeps the whole system healthier. A few rides a week can make a big difference over time.
Cycling builds leg strength & muscles
Pedalling works your legs, hips and backside. Over time, you’ll notice stronger thighs and more shape in your calves and glutes. Unlike weight lifting, cycling puts less strain on joints.
This makes it perfect if you’re after better muscle tone without much risk of injury. Riding up hills or tackling windier days will work your muscles harder, so there’s plenty of chance to progress.
Cycling supports good mental health
Spending time outdoors lifts your mood. Fresh air, changing views and natural light help sweep away stress and leave you feeling sharper. Scientific studies link regular cycling to reduced anxiety and lower levels of depression.
Many riders say they feel clearer-headed after a ride, and the routine helps break up negative thoughts. The feeling of moving forward, both literally and emotionally, is hard to beat.
It’s interesting that the ‘happiest countries on earth’ (like Denmark and The Netherlands) have high cycling populations. It helps that both countries are flat!
Cycling is gentle on your joints
Unlike running, cycling doesn’t pound your knees or hips. The circular motion of pedalling avoids the harsh impact seen in many sports.
This makes it a great choice if you have arthritis, struggle with joint pain or want a lifelong exercise option. Many physiotherapists recommend cycling for recovery because it keeps you moving without extra wear and tear.
Cycling helps to improve sleep
Regular exercise like cycling helps you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper, better-quality rest. The physical effort uses up energy and resets your body clock, especially if you ride outdoors in daylight.
Riding a bike keeps your immune system stronger. Studies show people who cycle regularly catch fewer colds and recover faster from illness. Cycling helps your white blood cells move around the body, which means your body can attack bugs more efficiently. Even short daily cycles can help keep you healthier in the long run.
Cycling is eco-friendly!
Bicycles don’t burn fuel or release harmful fumes. Riding means one less car on the road, which can help reduce pollution in your area. If you swap the car for a bike on short trips, you’ll help cut emissions and ease traffic.
It’s a small shift, but every journey counts when it comes to cleaner cities and greener countryside.
Cycling saves money (once the bike is bought)
Once you own a bike, the running costs are low. You don’t need petrol, expensive tax or insurance. Repairs and parts are much cheaper than most car fixes.
If you commute by bike, you can dodge the rising cost of public transport too. The savings add up quickly, especially if you cycle two or three days a week.
Good Bicycles and Accessories
- Priority Bicycles (US) offers quality affordable bicycles for adults and children, which feature rust/grease-free carbon drive belts (no chains), internally-geared hubs , puncture-resistant tires and (mostly vegan) comfortable saddles.
- Babboe Cargo Bikes (The Netherlands) is the market leader for safe affordable bikes to carry children, dogs and shopping. With electric pedal resistance, if you don’t live somewhere as flat as Holland!
- Bikeworks offers unique bikes for children with special needs.
How to maintain and repair your bike
- Use Biodegradable Cleaners/Lubes. A good brand is Kingud, which is free from toxic PTFE, you can also buy citrus toxic-free degreaser (keep citrus away from pets) and even a plant-based helmet polisher! Sold with refill packs.
- Invest in a Bike Repair Multi-Tool. This can do a number of tasks including fixing a damage spoke, snapped chain or puncture. Pebble Tool is a good brand sold with a lifetime guarantee, that can fit in your pocket to bail out most common bicycle mishaps. It includes an integrated Dynaplug® tyre repair accessories to quickly patch a puncture.
- Buy a Decent Bike from a bike shop, where people know how to put it together and test the brake, and teach you how to safely ride it. You’ll also need a good lock, bell and bike insurance/breakdown cover.
- Read Back On Your Bike, a super book with info on how to be a cyclist again, even if the last time you cycled was a child. This real-world guide includes tips on safe riding, fixes and maintenance and ideal for the nervous new returning cyclist.
