The advantages of bike commuting far outweigh any disadvantages you can think of. When you become a bike commuter, you not only improve yourself mentally and physically, you also help save the planet.
Cycling to work improves cardio-vascular and aerobic fitness, lowers blood pressure, boosts energy, builds muscle, and improves coordination.
Bike commuting also lowers stress. Helps the planet. Costs less than driving. Helps you avoid traffic jams. Saves you money on parking. And provides greater overall satisfaction.
Combining cycling into your daily routine not only saves you tons of money, it also provides a much happier, healthier quality of life.
The advantages of bike commuting!
- Exercise – A recent two-part meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine concluded that cycling lowered the risk of heart disease and stroke, and also leads to a lower body mass index (BMI). Researchers noticed a benefit in people who rode for workouts or simply as a form of commuting.
- Stress relief – Cycling has been proven to reduce levels of cortisol (stress hormones) in the body, which disturb a restful and deep sleep. It also supports the increase of serotonin, which can also improve sleep. In addition, cycling can help stabilize your circadian rhythm, which in turn can improve sleep patterns.
- Fresh air – Your lungs and heart will thank you! From commuting to work to an enjoyable ride, biking exposes you to more fresh air and 60% less carbon monoxide than you would get in a similar car ride. Also, a recent study of active commuting showed cycling lowers your risk for cancers and cardiovascular diseases.
- Help the planet – Cycling can play a part in reducing carbon-dioxide emissions. While the average U.S. car emits about a pound of CO2 per mile from burning fuel, bicycling is carbon free. More bicycle commuters also take cars off the road, relieving congestion in traffic-clogged cities.
- Freedom from taxes and fees – If you bike commute instead of public transport you can save approximately $800 a year. If you trade in your car for a bike to use it as the primary means of transportation you can save over $7,500 a year. So, depending on your circumstances the annual savings by bike commuting can vary between $800 and $7,500.
- No traffic jams – Cycling is environmentally friendly as the mode of transport is silent and produces no emissions. Cycling can also reduce congestion and the journey times of other road users, particularly in urban areas.
- Easy parking – Parking a bike is vastly easier than parking a car. Some workplaces let you bring your bike in. Failing that, typically there’s a bike rack nearby to lock your bike to. Either way, the days of circling around the parking lot trying to find a place to park are over.
- See more things the slower you go – You get to enjoy the open air, sun on your face, and wind in your hair, plus the sights and sounds of the great outdoors. You’ll probably want to get outside when it’s sunny and nice anyway, and cycling allows you to get some quality exercise and have more fun at the same time.
- Satisfaction of moving using your own power – A new University of Auckland study reveals that reliability, sensory stimulation, feel good factor and social interaction are why cyclists are the happiest commuters.
- Wakes you up in the morning – Rather than relying on caffeine to do the trick, you will naturally get the blood pumping, waking you up and boosting your energy levels. Another bonus? You won’t experience the same crash that comes after caffeine, but you‘ll find your mood and energy remain at higher levels for hours after your ride.
Thank you for joining us and watching my video, “The Advantages Of Bike Commuting.” If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please leave them in the comments section below.
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