Biking to Work Produces Myriad of Benefits

By Rachel Stockton

There’s still time to pull out the air pump and fill up the tires on the bike that sits in your garage.  The entire month of May has been designated as “National Bike Month;” a nationwide effort to place emphasis on the myriad of benefits associated with pedaling to the office.

According to www.youcanbikehere.com, Bike to Work was a huge success in the Bay Area; the city established “energizer” stations so bikers could stop for refreshments, a little conversation and a lot of support.

In Fayetteville, AR, the “Bicycle Coalition of the Ozarks” took part in a bike ride starting at town square and ending at the the Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers establishment, which offered cyclists $2 beer, wine and margaritas.

In Junea, Alaska, the Freewheelers Club held similar rides and festivities as did Fairbanks and the New York city metropolitan area.

Why Bike to Work?

There are several outstanding reasons for choosing to ride our bikes to risk; of course, physical fitness is right at the top of the list.  Recent studies have shown that although baby boomers know much more about health care and prevention than their parents did, they have been lax in implementing healthy lifestyles.

Fortunately, many of them are experiencing “wake-up” moments at the doctor’s office; some now have to make a concerted effort to lower their cholesterol, while others find themselves on the brink of becoming diabetic.    Some bike- to- work celebrations are emphasizing how physical activity can actually reverse many of those problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle.

Another bonus to bike riding is its effect on mood; the physical exertion required to pedal to the office  releases endorphins, which will make your morning routine much more pleasurable than if you’d ridden the train or hailed a cab.

Additionally, the impact of automobiles on the environment, coupled with the high cost of gasoline, make bike riding specifically appealing for economic reasons.

Staying Safe

Before embarking on a road trip on your bike, however, it’s a good idea to update your knowledge on bicycle safety.  According to www.bicyclesafety.com, staying safe while bike riding  consists of more than just wearing a helmet.  Their website is devoted to providing detailed information on how to avoid getting hit by a car in the first place, undoubtedly the greatest hazard facing cyclists on the road.