5 reasons to get back on the bike

Young man stands up on his bike in the street smiling at camera

As kids, many of us rode bikes for fun, to connect with our friends, and to get around our neighbourhood. As adults, all the things you loved about your bike are still there! Here are 5 reasons to get back on the bike.

Mood-boosting

Riding a bike is a great way to unwind, relax, and boost your mood. In fact, people who ride their bike report feeling happier with their commute than those who drive. But you don’t need to ride to work to feel the mood boosting effects of bike-riding. Even if you aren’t huffing and puffing, the gentle increase in heart rate and breathing with moderately effortful bike riding is enough to boost endorphins, the feel-good chemicals in our bodies. If riding to work isn’t your thing, riding in parks, bush trails, or by waterways are all great ways get out in nature, enjoy the scenery, and enhance your wellbeing.

Motion is lotion

Keeping our bodies moving is the best way to keep our muscles and joints healthy and reduce the risk of painful joint problems. Bike riding is particularly beneficial because it is low impact, so it is gentle on the joints. Bike riding can even be beneficial and achievable for people with joint pain, such as arthritis.

Older couple go bike riding on a bush path

Connecting with others

Another enjoyable part of riding a bike is having the time to connect with others. Whether you join a club, ride with a group, or meet with friends, the bike is a great way to socialise. It can also be a great way to spend quality time with the family: riding along the paths or taking the bikes to weekend sport or the shops. Looking for a group and not sure where to start? Here is a link to bike user groups all over Queensland!

Efficient and environmentally friendly

For trips under 10km, taking a bike is quick, easy, and green. It is said to be the most efficient form of transport. Bike riding can get us to where we need to be faster and with less effort than walking or running. Bike riding is 10-times more environmentally friendly than an electric vehicle, and 50-80 times more efficient than a petrol car. This makes a bike the greenest way to travel. Try swapping some short car trips for a bike ride.

Whole body health

It’s not just your mind and your muscles that benefit from the bike. Riding a bike brings about a whole host of health benefits. Just a few minutes on the bike will kickstart your circulation, signalling the start of building fitness. After 20-30 minutes, mood-boosting neurotransmitters will reduce stress, increase focus, and make you feel happy. With just a couple of weeks of regular riding your muscles will be stronger, and your balance will improve – you might even find rides become easier as your strength builds. In just a few months your heart, lungs, and other organs will be healthier too! Regular riding is so beneficial it can even help to prevent heart disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer.