Benefits of cycling: learn more

Bicycles are one of the most widely used means of transportation in the world. In addition to being practical, cycling offers a number of benefits that range from cost-effectiveness to health and environmental benefits.

The way we know this means of transport today was gradually defined, invention after invention, having started this process in the 18th century.

In the beginning, the bicycle was not very practical and was very expensive, but little by little, with new discoveries and the use of different materials, this vehicle became popular, and there was now a variety of bicycle styles, such as urban, speed and mountain bikes.

Today, bicycles are used on all continents and, regardless of their purpose, by people of all social classes. The main purpose is as a means of transport from one place to another.

In countries with high levels of poverty, bicycles are the most affordable vehicles for a large part of the population. However, their use for this purpose has also become popular in developed countries.

This trend has been happening for a number of reasons, caused precisely by the benefits of cycling, such as avoiding traffic, crowded public transport, saving money and adopting healthier lifestyle habits .

See the benefits of cycling:

Environment

Bicycles are the least polluting means of transport. Unlike cars, which emit carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere and contribute to the problem of global warming, for example, bicycles do not emit any type of pollutant.

As research into the climate situation on Earth has yielded alarming results, part of the population has become aware of the issue and has sought to contribute to trying to alleviate the impacts of pollution on the planet.

Economy

Another benefit that draws attention is the economy. In addition to being cheaper than other vehicles, bicycles do not need fuel to operate, which, in the current situation, with fuel prices rising more and more, is a great attraction.

This also ends up benefiting the environment, as it is the burning of fuel that causes the emission of CO2 into the atmosphere.

Bicycles also do not require taxes such as, for example, the Motor Vehicle Property Tax (IPVA) and Personal Damages caused by Land Motor Vehicles (DPVAT), which are required annually for car owners.

No traffic jams

Studies show that traffic jams reduce the physical and mental health of drivers. These situations cause stress, in addition to fatigue from waiting, which can often be long, and repetitive movements while driving the vehicle.

It is a problem that affects many people, according to the results of a study by the Institute of Applied Economic Research (Ipea). The survey revealed that almost half, 43.5%, of drivers face traffic jams every day in Brazil.

While they are stuck in these traffic jams, these Brazilians lose time that they could be spending with their family and/or doing some leisure activity, which, according to experts, affects their health.

Healthy habit

And speaking of health, another great benefit of cycling is that it is considered a healthy habit. Therefore, this vehicle is used not only as a means of transportation, but also as a form of leisure and/or physical activity, which can be done on bike paths, in parks and in any space that allows it.

As a form of leisure, cycling provides psychological, cognitive and social functioning benefits. Studies indicate that the practice provides a lower risk of depression, anxiety and stress.

In addition, the activity provides better reaction time, attention, coordination and precision during daily tasks. Cycling also favors social interactions.

A study by Yale University in the United States identified cycling as the second physical activity most associated with reducing mental load.

According to the study, people who exercised spent 43.2% of their days with less fragile mental health than those who did not exercise.

Cycling also causes the body to release endorphins and serotonin, hormones that cause a feeling of pleasure and help combat depression, anxiety and stress.

Benefits for the body when riding a bike

Cycling speeds up your metabolism, causing your body to burn calories more quickly, for example. It also causes the substances that generate bad cholesterol (LDL) to be eliminated more quickly by the body.

This acceleration in metabolism is also beneficial for the intestine, which starts to function better.

Cycling is also a breathing exercise, as cycling requires more oxygen, resulting in more strength in the lungs. Cycling also provides strength and muscle tone gains, especially in the legs.

Together, increased strength and stamina result in greater physical resistance, which is beneficial not only for continuing to practice cycling, but also for other daily activities.

Regular cycling helps to keep blood sugar levels stable and reduces the risk of cardiovascular complications.

This is because while cycling, veins and arteries contract and relax more quickly, which helps to lower blood pressure, for example.

The improved blood circulation provided by cycling also helps to reduce the effects of aging on the skin.

This happens due to the elimination of more toxins from the body. These toxins include those that cause tissue oxidation and give the skin an aged appearance.

Cycling is considered a low-impact exercise, with little chance of falls and fractures, and ideal for preventing osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.

Regular exercise leaves your body and mind more relaxed, promoting better nights of sleep and, consequently, a healthier and more balanced life.

Starting to pedal

It is recommended that beginners seek guidance before starting to cycle. There are specific aspects that can make the experience difficult at first, so it is a good idea to seek out good information.

Some tips from experts, for example, are about the size of the bike, safety equipment (helmet and gloves) and clothing and glasses with protection against ultraviolet (UV) rays, for those who are going to practice during the day.

Professionals also recommend that beginners not worry about the number of kilometers to be covered and that simply including the habit in their routine and being consistent in their practice is the first step towards starting a good relationship with cycling.

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