Many people still don't cycle to work, even though cycling infrastructure has improved in recent years. Although there are lots of benefits to bicycling commuting, we've compiled the best ones below to convince you to start this healthy habit today.
Cut costs
By riding your bike to work instead of driving, you have the potential to save a significant amount of money. The average American family spent $2,000 on fuel in 2016. When car upkeep, repairs, insurance coverage and parking fees are factored in, owning even a typical hatchback can cost an American families $89500 annually.
A new bicycle, on the other hand, may cost anywhere from $500 to $1500 USD depending on the manufacturer, design, and features. The average annual maintenance cost of a bike isroughly$50 USD. A lightsand lock set for your bicyle may add an additional (costing) expense ofanywhere between$60-$200USD. Even if you choose themost costly alternativesin each scenario-you'll save up toroughly $9000USD in theyear(s)to come!
Achieving Improved Mental Health
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, getting fresh air has a plethora of benefits like better sleep, lower anxiety levels and decreased depression rates. Being cooped up inside all day doesn't help anybody's mental state, so go outside and take a walk! As Erich G. Anderer says,"going out in the fresh air has clearly had the mental health advantages."
Lessen your negative impact on the environment
The average American car driving commuter emits 250g of CO2 per kilometer. But did you know that by simply riding the bus, you can reduce your emissions footprint by over 50%? And if you want to do even better for the environment, consider swapping out four wheels for two and ride a bicycle instead. Of course, bicycles leave their own carbon imprint since they need to be manufactured and bikes are typically powered with food - but growing and producing food also emits carbon dioxide.
Here's some good news: it costs only 5 grams of carbon to manufacture a bicycle for every kilometer traveled. When you factor in the CO2 emissions from the average American diet, which are about 18 grams per km cycled, the overall CO2 emissions per km from riding a bike come out to roughly 22g-more than 10 times less than driving a car.
Save Time by Avoiding Traffic
Cycling could be more efficient than driving if your regular journey includes a lot of traffic delays. You'll be able to fly by the queued drivers as they punch the steering wheel and blare the car-horns. Also, since bike commuters typically have to leave earlier due to distance, you may find that there are significantly fewer cars on the road in those hours.
Being able to find a Parking Spot
This is especially true for people who commute in large cities. However, many commuters have difficulty finding parking. In New York City, businesses are required to offer bike storage. You can also lock your bike in a rack or link it to a pole by using a strong bike-lock. There are also folding bikes that you can pack into a backpack and carry into the workplace, where you can stow them away beneath a desk or in a closet.
Improve your cardiovascular health
Bicycling is an aerobic exercise that does wonders for the cardiovascular system. In fact, it is the most helpful means of battling heart diseases. This workout strengthens blood flow, increases elasticity of blood vessels and prevents plaques from accumulating on coronary vessel walls--all of which contribute to enhanced overall cardiac function and a lowered risk of serious heart disease and vascular illness. Additionally, bicycling has also been found to help manage high blood pressure and prevent cholesterol buildup.
Cancer Risk Reduction
If you have cancer or are a survivor, cycling is an excellent way to supplement your treatment strategy. Cycling can help you stay healthy and fit, which may lower your risk of some cancers, such as endometrial cancer. According to a 2017 study, people who rode bikes to work were 46 percent less likely to get cancer and had a 40 percent reduced chance of dying if they did develop cancer.
In conclusion, there are countless benefits to commuting by bicycle. These are a few of the most relevant that we hope will resonate with people from all backgrounds. So, if you've been waiting for a sign to start biking, this is it!