As the urban lifestyle offers more job opportunities, access to education and entertainment options, many people from the provinces decide to uproot themselves and move to a big city. However, living in a city is not all sunshine and rainbows, and city dwellers have plenty to complain about, be it the costs, polluted air, or noise.
There are pros and cons to living in a city. Some things are too far away to walk to, however, cars often get stuck in traffic and public transport is often overcrowded. That’s why, in some cities, the authorities have been encouraging residents to use bikes. And people who have listened can now recognize various benefits of two-wheeled transport, including increased physical activity, reduced carbon emissions, saved time and money, and mitigated stress.
With so many advantages, choosing a bicycle as your transportation mode can have an incredible impact on your life. If you still aren’t sure, here are some of the reasons why you should get on the saddle:
Increasing your heart-rate to stay fit
Joining a gym is a common New Year’s resolution for those who want to improve their physical condition. However, according to Lucas James, a nationally known celebrity trainer and nutritionist, many people struggle to motivate themselves to keep up with their training schedule once the initial enthusiasm wanes. To avoid this situation, you might either work with an experienced private trainer or find another, more manageable and cost-effective way to sneak some exercises into your daily routine.
And when you switch to riding a bike in the city, there is no need to worry about keeping fit, as cycling is the perfect cardio exercise that will help you stay active. Not only will it burn calories, but also it will improve your cardiovascular system and strengthen your legs, arms, and core muscles. That’s why biking is perfect for everyone, regardless of their fitness level. Even if you aren’t in the mood for rigorous training, taking a bike ride in the evening or on your way to work is better than nothing! Still, if you would rather have a treadmill in your home as well in case of bad weather, you can check this list of the best generator reviews to ensure that you can exercise even during a blackout.
Stress relief
Spending an hour in traffic jams every day is enough to make anyone feel stressed out. When we are anxious and stressed, the body produces cortisol – a hormone that can cause inflammation, high blood pressure, and digestive problems.
If you want to avoid these issues, cycling to work will be a great solution. As you enjoy the fresh air and get some exercise, your stress will melt away. Moreover, if you had a rough day or have experienced something stressful at work, cycling home can be a great way to deal with it as it will help you blow off steam.
Reduced commuting time and costs
Life in the 21st century is expensive. Besides rent, mortgages, or student loans, many people have to deal with car payments, insurance, and maintenance costs. All these things add up and make you go broke before the end of the month. That’s why it is essential to save money whenever you can. Using a bicycle is one of the easiest ways to save cash – bikes don’t require gas or frequent maintenance, so they cost almost nothing to operate.
Even better is that they are not just cheaper than cars; they are also faster and more efficient at getting people from point A to point B. If you live in a busy area, like New York, London, or Hong Kong, you will probably spend more time stuck in traffic than driving. And finding a parking spot is often almost impossible, especially during rush hours, meaning that you may be late for work if you live some distance away. So, if you want to avoid this stress and unnecessary expenses, grab a bike and roll.
Better for the environment
Riding your bike also reduces carbon dioxide emissions, which is one of the most important ways to help our planet stay green. For example, if an average citizen chose a bike over a car just once a day, they would reduce their carbon footprint by 67%. And getting around on two wheels benefits not only our planet but also ourselves as we contribute to decreased air pollution and noise in our cities.
Polluted air is dangerous for everyone, but especially for children whose bodies are not yet fully developed or older people who cannot fight off diseases as effectively as adults. It can also lead to asthma or bronchitis, so even if you don’t have these conditions now, you might develop them later on if you don’t take measures to protect your lungs.
Allows you to engage with the world around you
Time is one of the most precious resources we have, so it is crucial to make good use of it. Many people spend their day sitting in front of a computer or doing mindless tasks which don’t require much brainpower. This sedentary lifestyle is not only bad for our physical health but also our mental well-being. It causes many issues, including depression, anxiety, and attention deficit disorders.
However, cycling can be an effective way to train your brain and keep it active. Studies show that being on the saddle can stimulate your brain. With increased blood flow, your brain is provided with more oxygen and nutrients, stimulating its growth. It may seem like a small thing, but keeping your mind sharp is one of the best ways to stay healthy and maintain your quality of life.
Enables you to get to know the city
In the hustle and bustle of the city, it can be tough to pay attention to your surroundings. But if you want to experience the world around you in all its beauty, you have to look up from your phone and actually see the place you live in.
Cycling is a great way to get to know your city. You will be able to discover hidden gems and observe interesting urban features that you might have missed otherwise. Not only that, but you will also get to enjoy beautiful weather and meet new people along the way.
You may make new friends
If you decide to ride with friends, you will not only be spending quality time together but also meet new, like-minded people. And as cycling is a fun activity that almost anyone can enjoy, you are bound to find someone who has the same interests as you do. This can help you build healthy relationships and improve your social circle.
Anywhere you go, there will be potential friends waiting for you. So, don’t be afraid to approach them and ask if they would like to join you for a ride. And if the answer is yes, your new acquaintance can show you the best routes and hidden gems of your city!
Conclusion
With so many benefits, it is no wonder that more and more cities are investing in bike lanes and encouraging people to use bikes as their main form of transportation. If you dream of living a healthier lifestyle, saving money, reducing stress, and appreciating your environment but still don’t know where to start, a bike can be an excellent investment.
However, if cycling is not your thing, that’s okay too. There are plenty of other ways to stay healthy, save money and engage with the world around you. So what is your favourite way to get around in your city?
