Now that the weather is warming up a bit, we love to rejoice and celebrate the rites
of spring!
One of my favorite “rites” is being able to enjoy riding my bike again.
Let’s face it, riding in bitter winter winds and brutally cold temperatures is simply not
my idea of fun.
Plus, biking is so much healthier than traveling to work in cars, buses and trains.
Do you commute every day?
If so, then you and I have something in common–along with millions of others.
Many people we know choose to drive to work, while others may take a train or bus.
However, few choose to cycle.
But cycling could be the best choice of all, and here are 5 great reasons why:
1) Boost Your Health
With many of us doing little more than sitting at a computer all day while at work, exercise
is becoming more and more important to living well.
It’s your body that keeps you going day in and day out, so it’s important to keep it in decent shape.
Cycling to work–or for any reason–is a fantastic way to help keep your body healthy.
I also love to bike to the local farmer’s market for light shopping trips or simply ride and enjoy
the sights of the city.
By cycling, you’ll also eliminate the need to spend so many hours in the gym before and after
work, saving you money and also time.
2) Save Money
Choosing to cycle to work is pretty much guaranteed to save you money, and who isn’t looking
to save money in these difficult times?
First, you don’t have to pay for a car in the first place.
Second, you don’t have to pay any tax for your car.
Third, you don’t have to pay for fuel and, well, you get the picture.
If you’re using any kind of public transportation other than your own two feet to get to work
each day, then you’ll almost certainly save money by traveling on a bicycle instead.
3) Clear Your Head
People who exercise regularly know how good it can feel for the body, but we also know
how good it feels for the mind.
Exercise can help clear your mind, distracting you from your worries and concerns.
It’s also a known fact that cardiovascular exercise can help with mental health, reducing both
anxiety and depression.
It’s also a great way to spend quality time with your family.
4) Protect The Environment
Global warming scientists confirm that we could have a big problem on our hands if we don’t
start to take action right now, and the best place to start is with your carbon emissions.
One of the biggest sources of these emissions is car travel.
By using your car less,
you can directly contribute
to reduced carbon emissions.
Now that’s a powerful reason to get out of your car and bike more often!
5) Get There Faster
Although cycling isn’t usually thought of as the fastest way to travel, it clearly beats walking.
However, on commutes where there’s a lot of traffic, cycling can also be quicker than travel by
bus or car if you don’t live too far away.
Even if it’s slower than your car journey, you’ll still get to work pretty quickly, and can enjoy
the many other benefits listed above by doing so.
So whether you use your bike or CitiBike, just grab a bike and ride!
Your mind and body will thank you and so will the environment.
Gotta go!
It’s time to hop on my pink bike (yes, it’s actually pink) and ride!
Do you ride a bicycle to work–to or shop or for exercise?
What do you like best about biking?
Share your thoughts and experiences with us.
Greatd Idea! Think I’ll drag my bike (not pink!) out the basement and ride around the reservoir tomorrow. Great way to jumpstart my spring exercise regiment!
I would love to have a bike but here in Los Angeles, it’s not too safe! 🙁 If I lived near the beach though it would be perfect because there are far more bike paths! The problem though is…. People tend to steal bikes! 🙁
I love long distance cycling and finally finally was able to get out and about yesterday for the first time since late summer. I am game to ride anything Deborah.
I have a low row of Citi bikes near my building, but I never ventured near one. It’s been decades. Maybe I will give it a whirl!
Biking is appealing but it doesn’t seem all that safe where I live. However I do spend a lot of time outside, when it’s warmer you can find my daughter and me in the garden, sitting outside observing our honeybees, or going on nature hikes in our woods. During the colder months, I’ll be inside working out and I do go to the gym also. Keeping myself fit spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically (diet and exercise) are all important.
Hi Opal,
I am so glad to hear that you live near a wooded area where you can take nature hikes. That is so wonderful. I live in an urban area but we have bike paths and some lovely large parks in which to ride safely. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with me. I appreciate it. All the best, Deborah
Deborah,
I’ve actually thought about taking our bikes and going to the army base or a bike path. They have bike paths set aside away from the main flow of automobile traffic. and I know my daughter would love that and so would I. I used to love riding my bike. The way some people drive really makes me think twice about biking on the main road. In our little community biking isn’t a problem though. My daughter and I just want more space to bike. 🙂
Hi Opal,
I know just what you mean. I live in the city and cars are everywhere. They recently installed more bike lanes but it is still pretty crazy! I am so glad you have an army base nearby. Riding peacefully is such a pleasure. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me. I appreciate it.
I absolutely love this post….I plan to buy a bike next week. Last year I rode the divvy bike a couple times and fell in love I’m convinced I want to purchase one just like it. The endorphins were indescribable I can’t wait to get back out there!
Hi Patty,
With the snow gone and the weather warrming up, I can’t wait to get out there and bike more often. I am so glad you like biking and enjoyed this post. It is such a great feeling as you expressed! Thank you so much for hopping by and sharing your thoughts with me. I appreciate it. I really enjoyed reading your blog posts! All the best to you, Deborah
I don’t bike to work even though I am close enough. The primary reason is I drop my children off at 2 different schools and trying to post them on a bike for that distance makes no sense – car is needed. But if I were single and lived close enough to work – I would seriously consider it.
I like to ride my bike along the lakefront in Chicago, it is almost a 40 mile stretch to do the whole path. This is my Sunday morning activity. I try to put in 18 to 25 miles a day. We have Divy bikes in Chicago and I see you have Citi bikes where you live. Visiting from the #wowlinkup.
I love to bike ride but most places don’t have three wheel bikes which are the only kind i can ride due to MS. but walking now i do that every where we vacation.
Great post! Thanks for the motivation. Love the pink bike!
Hi Caroline,
I hope you get outside and ride in this beautiful weather! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me.
Great ideas and reminders for riding our bikes. But you left out one of the most important–and that is to HAVE FUN! Getting outside and riding my bike just about ALWAYS puts a smile on my face. (of course I am a fair-weather biker myself)
All great reasons, completely agree! I miss living in a less sprawled out urban area.
That pink bike just grabbled me! Adorable! RIding bikes is so freeing and fun (unless there are TOO many big hills :)). I can’t wait for spring to come and stay and breathe in all that fresh air! Great post and reminder to us all to dig out our bikes and make it a habit.
Hi Lori,
I am so glad that you liked that pink bike. Having a pink bike has been a source of jokes and attention at times. I love the color! I too can’t wait for the weather to warm up so I can bike outside!
I truly believe that more people need to bike more for exercise and to go short distances, run little errands. It would help society out in so many different ways! I’m going on a bike ride right now! Lol
I wish we could ride a bike around our area, but it’s SO unsafe. I think America needs to work on making it a better option for people. My husband could bike to work but he’d have like… 75% chance of dying. I told him no. I feel like we risk our lives trying to walk to the park. I really miss my childhood neighborhood where we were able to safely bike and walk.
Thanks for linking up at #SustainableSundays!