We've all seen how much cars pollute our environment, lowering the air quality and going as far as destroying the Ozone layer. Thus, more and more people are becoming eco-conscious and adopting friendly means of transport such as cycling. Riding a bike will benefit the environment, help you save money, and improve your overall health.
Riding a bike is also a form of workout, thus helping you to keep fit while strengthening your muscles, regulating your heart, and boosting your immune system. So, ditch your car and start cycling to work, and you'll notice a dramatic improvement in your health and finances.
9 Reasons You Should Ditch Your Car for Cycling
Cycling has loads of benefits for the environment and people. So if you want to start cycling, get an electronic bike as they are lightweight, highly durable, and sturdy. You can
1. Bicycles Are Environmental Friendly
Bicycles do not emit fumes as they rely solely on your pedaling to move, making them the most eco-friendly means of commuting. It is estimated that every gallon of gasoline a car uses releases about 2.33 kg CO2. So if your workplace or grocery store is not far from home, use a bike and reduce your carbon footprint.
2. Does Not Result in Road Kill
Every year, thousands of animals die on roads from being hit and run by cars, of which most are deer. However, you've never heard of a bicycle having killed any animal. So, cycling is a great way to preserve our wildlife.
3. A Cheaper Means of Transport
With a bike, the only cost you will incur is the cost of purchase and maintenance. However, you'll need to fuel a vehicle constantly, which is quite costly. And the cost of maintaining and repairing a car is not near that of a bicycle, as it can get ridiculously pricey, especially if you need to replace some parts.
4. It's Fast
Without traffic, a car will get you to your destination faster. However, during rush hour, cycling is the best means of commuting, particularly if you have a dedicated biking lane. It will help you avoid being stuck in traffic for hours.
After getting to your destination, finding parking for a bike is more accessible than a car, as you need a smaller space. The space occupied by one car can be used to park about ten bikes. So employers' should encourage their employees to cycle to work by building a parking area for bikes.
5. Don't Need to Purchase Insurance
With a car, you will need to purchase insurance to protect yourself and the vehicle in case of an accident. And there is no state where you can drive without insurance because if you get pulled over, the fine will be more than the insurance cost. However, with a bike, you must purchase a helmet and practice safety precautions when cycling.
6. Best Means of Exercising
If you want to keep fit without going to the gym, cycle regularly. It will help you lose weight but also help you stay fit by strengthening your muscles and working out your whole body. This is because you need to engage your core for balance and your hands and legs to control the bike. This means that most of your body will be engaged in the sport. Trail mountain biking is a popular yet fun way to get the necessary exercise. Check out Specialized trail mountain bikes to pick the best bike for your trail mountain biking needs.
7. Bikes are More Social
When cycling, you can stop and talk to people you meet on the way. However, if you try that when driving, you will create congestion on the road, and the cars behind you will start honking. You will need to find a place to park your vehicle, which might not be near.
While cycling, you can stop and enjoy the wonders of the environment, such as beautiful landmarks or flowers, but this is impossible with a vehicle.
8. Less Noise
Bikes make little noise, and the rider only needs to toot when someone is in front of them. However, cars are very noisy as a single honk volume is about 80 decibels, compared to a bicycle with about 20 decibels. And some vehicles are made such that they make noise even without honking, which is a great nuisance.
9. Best for Your Health
Cycling has loads of health benefits. These include:
- Weight Control
Cycling is a great way to lose weight as it helps raise your metabolic rate and, at the same time, burn fat and tone your muscles. However, it would be best to pair cycling with a healthy and well-balanced diet.
The best thing about cycling is you can change the intensity based on preference. If you want to burn more calories, you can ride on a hill, but start slowly and build up your endurance. You can ride your bike every morning, and as you advance, you can make it morning and evening for 30 minutes.
- Heart Diseases
Cycling suits your heart because the more you ride your bike, the more your heart pumps blood, thus strengthening your heart muscles. This helps reduce the chances of stroke and lowers fat blood levels. It also helps improve your lung function.
- Diabetes
Lack of exercise leads to developing lifestyle diseases like type 2 diabetes, a severe health problem. However, cycling to work or around the neighborhood for 30 minutes to one hour daily helps minimize this disease's occurrence.
So, during the holidays, don't let your kids sit in front of the TV or PS all day. Take your bike, have them take theirs, and cycle around the block several times. Teach them how to live actively to prevent the development of lifestyle diseases.
- Psychological Ailments
Riding a bike is an excellent way of dealing with stress, anxiety, and depression. This is because cycling helps you breathe fresh air, which helps eliminate all the negative thoughts.
- Strengthens Your Joints
Through cycling, you get to exercise your joints as you pedal. And the best part is that it's not harsh on your joints as it's a low-pressure sport, making it the best form of exercise for overweight people with joint problems.
Final Thoughts
Cycling is the best way to move around without being hampered by traffic. It will also help you save fuel costs and the high cost of car maintenance. And don't forget the immense benefits of cycling on the environment and people's health. So, get a bike and ditch your car.
