D
espite significant advances in cycling infrastructure throughout the country, the bulk of the population still does not ride their bicycles while commuting day to day. While there are almost countless advantages to cycling to work, we were able to narrow them down to just the top few, so we could push you to start this healthy habit today.
Save Money
You may save money by riding your bike to work. Like a great deal of money.The typical American family was spending $2,000 on fuel in 2016. When you include in car upkeep, the odd fix, insurance coverage, and the ever-increasing expense of parking, the average annual cost of owning even a typical hatchback in America is $8,9500 USD.
A new commuting cycle, on the other hand, may cost anywhere from ranging from $500 to $1500 USD, depending on the manufacturer, design, and features, with an average annual maintenance cost of roughly $50 USD. It's almost free unless you want to repair your bike yourself. A lights and lock set may cost anywhere from $60 and $200 USD. Even if you choose the most costly alternatives in each scenario, you'll save roughly $7,000 USD in the first year, and up to $9,000 in subsequent years. Which isn't a terrible bargain at all!
Better Mental Health
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regular exercise may help you sleep better and lower your risk of anxiety and depression.
"Especially considering how cooped up we've all been for the last year, going out in the fresh air has clearly had the mental health advantages," says Erich G. Anderer, MD, head of Neurology at NewYork University Hospital, New York.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Taking into account American automobile drivers' typical road use, various fuel types, average employment, and industrial pollution, driving a car generates roughly 250g CO2 per commuter-km.
Riding the bus reduces your carbon footprint by far more than 50%. However, if you want to cut your emissions even more, consider riding a bicycle. Bicycle manufacturing also has an effect since, although they are not driven by gasoline, they are fueled by food, and food production emits CO2.
Now the great news is that a bicycle costs just 5g every kilometre travelled to manufacture. When you include in CO2 emissions from the typical American diet, which are approximately 18g per km cycled, the overall CO2 emissions per km from riding a bike is roughly 22g, which is more than 10x lesser than driving a vehicle.
Avoid Being Stuck in 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 must typically leave earlier owing to distance, you may find that the roads are way more peaceful in those hours.
Not Having To Look for a Parking Spot
This is primarily true for commuters in big cities, however, many commuters have trouble locating parking. In New York City, businesses are obligated to offer bike storage. You may also lock your bike in a rack or link it to a pole by using a robust bike-lock. There are also folding bikes that can be packed into a backpack and carried into the workplace, where they may be stowed away beneath a desk or in a closet.
Boost Heart Health
Bicycling is an aerobic exercise that is beneficial to the cardiovascular system. This kind of workout is the most helpful means of battling heart diseases, whether it's enhancing blood flow, increasing the elasticity of blood vessels, or preventing plaques from accumulating on the coronary vessel walls. According to research, frequent aerobic activity, such as cycling, lowers the risk of serious heart disease and vascular illness. It also enhances overall cardiac function, allowing your heart to pump more efficiently. It may also help to manage high blood pressure and prevent cholesterol.
Lower Cancer Risk
If you have cancer or are a cancer survivor, cycling is an excellent supplement to your treatment strategy. Cycling can help you stay healthy and fit, which may lower your risk of some cancers, such as endometrial cancer. People who rode to work were 46 percent less likely to acquire cancer and had a 40 percent reduced chance of dying if they did develop cancer, according to a 2017 research.
All in all, the benefits of commuting by bicycling to work, school or even when you're on your way to take care of the day's errands are infinite. These are the top few that we hope would be relevant to the widest audience irrespective of their background. So, if you just needed a sign from the universe to put on your biking helmet, then this is it!
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