Cycling was first introduced to the public in the 19th century with the advent of draisines and velocipedes. Today, the bike family includes road bikes, cyclocross bikes, mountain bikes, fitness bikes and other types. Much more than a hobby, cycling is an effective way of incorporating an exercise routine into your daily schedule. It has since been more than just a sport – it is a lifestyle for many people. It also goes without saying that cycling has a positive impact on the well being and overall health of the cyclist.
In the last 6 years, the number of cyclists in the US has increased significantly from about 50 million to 80 million people. This shows that 30 million people have discovered the benefits of giving more time to cycling in that short period.
In case you didn’t know, a significant number of people will choose a bike over a car for ease of transportation. This is because maintaining a bike costs 20 times less than maintaining a car – check out an online bike gear retailer store like Backcountry and you’ll quickly convince yourself of this. It’s definitely a more economical and more eco-friendly option than burning off gallons of fuel in a car every month.
If you are an active cyclist, your must-haves will be a bike lock, rear and front lights, a helmet, a waterproof jacket, and maintenance tools like a pump and spare tubes.
To emphasize the health benefits of cycling, statistics show that there are more adults who cycle on a daily basis than the younger ones. It is no longer the leisure activity that 25 year olds and younger take part in, but an exercise routine that is fast becoming a necessity for both the young and old.
Cycling is known to reduce depression and anxiety. It also helps to reduce the risk of cancer and heart diseases. So, when you cycle, your joint mobility improves, your stress levels reduce significantly, and you can trust that your posture and coordination will improve over time. What’s more, cycling strengthens the bones of the body and increases muscle flexibility and strength. If you place premium on weight loss, better lung health, and increased cardiovascular fitness, then you should consider cycling more often. All those are added to the fact that cycling does not impact the environment negatively like fuel powered vehicles.
