What are the actual benefits of cycling? If you're looking for an answer to this question, you've come to the right place! "Nothing compares to the simple joy of riding a bike." - as former US President John F. Kennedy once said. But what exactly is it about cycling that actually gives us pleasure? Is it the relaxation, the flexibility or the sustainable way of getting around? It's a bit of everything!
In this article, I present the most important benefits of cycling and the most compelling reasons to get back on your bike more often. Let's go!
10 advantages: Why should you cycle more often?
I used to ride my bike because I hardly had any other alternative in the countryside. And today I am both in the countryside as well as in the city like to travel by bike because it combines so many different positive benefits.
Yes, it is more strenuous than traveling by car, public transport or scooter, of course! But the A wealth of health benefits, Environment and life in the city cannot be concealed. Here I present the most important motifs!
1. on the bike you experience more
By car, you're traveling too fast to see the small details of a route. And on foot, you're too slow to spot as many of the stimuli in your environment as possible. So cycling is the perfect way to experience more.
You hear every Natural soundyou see every movement along the way and also get into conversation with other people more quickly.
If you want to know what makes a place tick, get on your bike more often! 🙂
2. the bicycle is environmentally friendly
At the latest in times of the Climate change and the extreme air pollution In cities, the environmental compatibility of cycling is becoming a major trump card.
Whether classic bikes* or E-bikes* charged with green electricity - they only cause CO2 emissions during production. And perhaps you can also add in the calories from the food we eat and burn while pedaling. But the bottom line is cycling itself does not emit any greenhouse gases.
It gets us from A to B in a climate-friendly way without causing harmful exhaust fumes. Bicycles are therefore the Key to the sustainable mobility the future.
3. the bike is quiet
On a functional and non-rattling bike, we can ride the Enjoy the silence of nature. Every birdsong, every crack in the forest. Compared to a noisy plane or car, it is not a burden to other people or animals.
When cycling rarely rang or called. You ride quietly. In my opinion, this is a decisive advantage of cycling. If everyone rode a bicycle, we would need no noise barriers or noise filters.
4. cycling is healthy
Besides the peace and quiet of cycling, it supports our health in many other ways. Who outdoors in nature out and about on your bike, you get a breath of fresh air. You boost your fat metabolism and burn a lot of calories. What's more improves your coordination and fitness - and also Heart and circulation get going.1
Cycling reduces stress and releases happiness hormones. This means that in the evening we can sleep better. Yes, in principle, cycling is meditation in motion. Almost like a short vacation, you could say 🙂
5. the bike is space saving
You need for your bike No extra garage and finding a parking space is usually straightforward too. Just take the nearest tree or the street sign on the corner.
In contrast to the cars, bicycles also do not clog the cities. Roads and parking lots must be asphalted only for space-intensive and mostly with combustion engine running cars.
Notice: The sealing of soils naturally also deprives many animals of their habitat and thus also ensures the Decline in biodiversity. Indirectly, by switching to a bicycle, you are also promoting the local Biodiversity.
6. a bike is cheap
Of course, this statement is debatable. What does cheap mean? You can buy a used bike for 100 euros via classified ads get a E-mountainbike for around 600 euros* get or around 2500 euros for a trekking bike* to the price.
In the end, everyone has to decide according to their financial leeway and own wishes weigh up.
But Compared to buses, trains and cars, bicycles are definitely cheaper. Both in the purchase and in the use.
Those who ride a bike more often, can definitely Save money sustainably: No ticket prices, no insurance premiums, no fuel costs - and repairs are also significantly cheaper compared to a car.
7. with the bike you are fast on the road
Of course, it "depends" here too. In the countryside, you may reach your destination faster by car. But in the cramped cities, it can simply drive past stop-and-go traffic and Take a quick shortcut.
Refuel or wait for the next train you don't have to. The latter can even break down and cost a lot of time. The bike can make the most of this advantage, especially in dense cities.
8. the bike makes you more flexible
By bike, you are independent of the subway, suburban train, streetcar and bus. And if you want, you can use the use public transport even in combination with your bike. For example, to get out of the city and go for a bike ride in the surrounding nature.
Either way, in the end you can react more quickly if your plans change or if you forget something and don't have to get a new train ticket or drive back through the dense city. With the bike you are absolutely free on the road.
9. cycling becomes safer and safer
A frequently cited disadvantage of cycling is safety. But cycling is the future and that is why more and more cities are developing new transport concepts to deliberately expand their cycling infrastructure.
In Berlin, for example More and more cycle lanes colored green and at dangerous junctions, the green turns red. Conspicuous for cyclists - and also easy to see for all motorists.
There are also some real pioneers among European cities that have proven to be particularly bicycle-friendly. These include, for example Copenhagen! Driving alone over the Dronning Louises Bridge around 40,000 bikes every day. 🙂
The loan offers are also improving: Basically, you can now quickly rent a bike (via app) in any German city!
10. variety of bikes leaves nothing to be desired
"Bicycles may change, but cycling is timeless." the US journalist Zapata Espinoza once said. He was proved right. Because today we enjoy a variety of different types of bikes, as cycling continues to be incredibly popular.
Whether tandem, folding bike, fitness bike, tricycle, wheelchair bike, racing bike, BMX, electric bike or cargo bike: You can choose a bike type according to your personal requirements!
Take a look at here at Fahrrad-XXL.de* to find the bike that best suits you and your expectations.
Can you think of any other benefits of riding a bike? Then always give it to me in the comments!
Cycling: Recognize and use the advantages!
Cycling is great! The benefits mentioned for you, other people and our environment make that clear. And that's why we should all get back on our bikes more often - regardless of our age! 🙂
"I thought of that while riding my bicycle."
Albert Einstein, German theoretical physicist (1879-1955)
I hope this article has inspired and motivated you! Do you have any questions, other benefits or your own experiences with cycling that you would like to share? Then just write me a comment.
Stay healthy and sustainable,
PS: Not everything can be done by bike! So take a look at the article about sustainable drivingto be more environmentally friendly on four wheels in the future.
References:
- J. Scharhag: Strengthening the heart with cycling (as of 20.06.2023), available at https://herzstiftung.de/ihre-herzgesundheit/gesund-bleiben/sport-und-bewegungsmangel/radfahren. [10.12.2024]. ↩︎
Thank you very much for listing the various benefits of cycling! In my case, it is especially the environmental and health aspects that have prompted me to resolve to ride my bike much more regularly in the future. My old bike is now unusable, so a new one is needed first. I don't have too high demands, because it should only bring me safely to my destinations, for which I don't necessarily need the car.
Cycling has also had a very positive effect on my health. On the one hand, my condition is much better, and on the other hand, after all these years, my metabolism is doing a much better job than before. In my region, city bikes are particularly popular, as they often get you to your destination faster than by car.
Cycling only has advantages, healthy for you and for the environment 😀 And if you want to go a little faster, an e-bike or e-city bike is the perfect companion. Best regards
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