Cycling is more than just a way to get from one place to another. It’s a fun, healthy, and environmentally friendly activity! Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or just considering a new hobby, you already gain benefits from what you do. Learn more about cycling and its perks to enjoy the activity in full. Review the 10 interesting facts about cycling that will surprise you.
1. Cycling Improves Concentration
One of the lesser-known facts about cycling is its ability to boost brainpower. Sports are good for your brain and wellness in general. But when it comes to cycling, it is time to get even more benefits.
Studies have shown that regular cycling can help improve your focus, memory, and problem-solving skills. Even half an hour spent on a bike can boost your brain performance. This is especially beneficial for students, as cycling increases blood flow to the brain. As a result, they concentrate better and perform well in school.
Cycling will increase your focus ability by 3-10%. While Pro-papers will help you deal with more complicated writing tasks
2. The First Bicycles Were Wooden
Here’s a surprising fact: the earliest bikes were made of wood! The “Laufmaschine,” invented by Karl von Drais in 1817, was the first known bicycle. Laufmaschine had no pedals or chains. Its name speaks for itself and means ‘run’ and ‘vehicle’. This meant riders would push themselves forward with their feet on the ground.
You can see the idea of the first bikes used for balance bikes for kids these days. Fortunately, not wooden, balance bikes are used to teach kids to use two-wheel vehicles and keep their balance. This makes it a great solution for kids who are still not strong or concentrated enough to push pedals.
3. Cycling Burns More Calories Than Walking
Cycling is a great way to burn calories and stay fit. In fact, a 30-minute bike ride can burn twice as many calories as walking for the same amount of time. This makes it one of the most effective exercises for weight loss.
Yet, the way you cycle has a direct connection to the weight loss outcomes. It depends on what terrain you choose to cycle. Going uphill or bumpy terrain increases the resistance so that more force is to be used from your side. As a result, you will burn more calories. Plus, the consistency of cycling matters. Riding on a bike regularly, for example, twice a week, will help you stay fit better than hopping on a bike occasionally.
No matter, what kind of activity and frequency you choose for your cycling routine, remember to consult your doctor first. Cycling with contraindications will certainly bring more harm than perks to your health.
4. It’s Good for Your Heart
One of the top facts about cycling is its positive impact on heart health. Cycling is a fantastic cardio workout, strengthening your heart muscles, lowering resting pulse rates, and reducing cholesterol levels.
Cycling is even been linked to a lower risk of heart disease. With this activity, you train your heart as muscle. You lower your blood pressure and enrich your cells with oxygen. Plus, you lower your chances for obesity which also decreases chances for heart disease.
If you already have heart issues, consult your doctor first. Sudden intensive activity can bring danger to your health. Aim for a personalized approach and wise loads when it comes to any sports including cycling.
5. You Can Travel Long Distances on a Bike
Believe it or not, cyclists can cover impressive distances. The current record for the longest distance cycled in one hour is over 55 kilometers! Cycling tours and races often span hundreds of miles, proving that a bike can be more than just a short-trip vehicle.
Since not everyone is trained enough to cover similar distances at once, you shouldn’t go to extremes. But if the bike is more than a way to commute for you, you can try out a bike-packing. This is an activity that allows you to cover long distances at a desired pace and enjoy sightseeing at the same time. Get properly equipped and enjoy a trip with your two-wheel friend.
6. It’s an Eco-Friendly Way to Travel
Cycling is one of the greenest forms of transport available. Whether you commute to work or a place of study, take a morning ride or go shopping, using a bike is always a preferable choice. Riding a bike produces zero emissions, making it a great option for anyone considering reducing their carbon footprint.
Compared to driving, cycling wins in multiple criteria. You don’t pollute the air. There is no need for fuel. You don’t contribute to traffic jams and need a much smaller parking space. The whole culture of cycling improves the life in the city adding cycling lanes, green areas, and other facilities for cyclists that turn out to be benefits for all.
7. Cycling Can Save You Money
Looking for a way to cut costs? One of the most practical facts about cycling is how much money it can save you. You don’t need to pay for fuel, parking, or expensive car maintenance. Plus, bikes are generally much cheaper to repair and maintain than cars.
Even if you use public transport to commute, the fares will cost you more. Choosing a bike for getting from one place to another is always a more beneficial choice for your wallet. Unless you decide to get a customized vehicle with all the top-notch equipment and clothes. Then it can cost you quite a fortune. But in all other cases, you should only spend some good money on a helmet and a safety lock to keep both you and your bike safe.
8. It Helps Relieve Stress
Cycling can be a great way to de-stress after a long day. The rhythmic pedaling, fresh air, and the endorphins released during physical activity all help to reduce anxiety and improve your mood. Many people find cycling to be a meditative experience. Repetitive movement of the pedals, focusing on breathing, and freeing your mind are productive conditions for meditation.
You can add music, good company, and picturesque scenery and cycling only gets better and better activity for you to feel great. You can choose between having a company of like-minded people or getting your escape with a bike and nature as your main instruments. No matter the choice regular cycling lets you reduce stress and anxiety in your life and improve your mental health in general.
9. The Tour de France is the Most Famous Bike Race
The Tour de France is one of the most grueling sporting events in the world. Held annually since 1903, this race covers around 3,500 kilometers (2,200 miles) over three weeks! It’s a true test of endurance and strength for professional cyclists.
Yet, if you are into bike sports, you’d better start something easier for the start. Browse your area for amateur cycle races, and charity bike rides, or meet like-minded people at the local bike parks. Or enroll in the local sports clubs to get a professional start in cycling.
10. Cyclists Live Longer
According to research, people who cycle regularly tend to live longer than those who don’t. Regular cycling reduces the risk of many health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, leading to a longer, healthier life.
As mentioned earlier, cycling trains your muscles, enriches your body with oxygen, improves endurance, gives chance for meditation and stress relief, and more. This all lowers your chances for many physical and mental health issues and prolongs your life. Your task here is to cycle regularly, balance bike riding with other sports, and go cycling outdoors preferably.
Top Tips for Any Cyclist
Hopefully, these facts have turned you into a cycling or strengthened your love for a bike ride. And for you to enjoy this sport with benefits only, review the following tips:
1. Always wear a helmet. Choose the one of your size and fasten it properly. It lowers the chance of severe head injuries and saves your life.
2. Maintain your bike. Clean it when necessary and apply protective measures for your bike to serve longer. Mind regular bike check-ups.
3. Be visible. When cycling at night or in any low-visible conditions, make sure you are visible to other riders, drivers, and pedestrians. Attach front and rear lights to your bikes. Use reflectors for your bicycle and your clothes, too.
4. Plan your trips. Whether it is about commuting or a weekend ride, choose streets with bike lanes, paths and special areas. You will avoid traffic jams and accidents and enjoy your ride in full.
5. Find your pace. Stick to a steady rhythm that fits your physical state. This will help you stay energized during the whole ride and cover longer distances when necessary.
6. Stay hydrated and energized. Don’t forget a water bottle and energy snacks to fuel up during the ride.
7. Be ready for the fixes. Learn simple bike facts about repairs and practice at home so that you can deal with minor issues on the road easily.
8. Enjoy your ride. Choose clothes according to the weather. Make sure you feel comfortable on the saddle. Pick up a preferable company and a route or go on your own. Make everything to gain maximum advances from your travel.
These and other simple truths will reduce any mishaps and unpleasant experiences and allow you to have fun when riding.
Conclusion
So, the next time you hop on your bike, remember these facts about cycling and enjoy all the benefits it brings! Whether it’s improving concentration or keeping you fit, cycling is an activity full of surprises. Care about safety, choose what you ride for, and aim to gather maximum benefits for your mental and physical health when going for a ride. And remember, when choosing to cycle you not only improve your own life but bring the good to the world around you.
Top photo – Image by freepik
