Most of us, by the time we’re five-years-old, have learned how to ride a bike. We’ve graduated from a tricycle to a two-wheeled bike without training wheels. Whether we’re pedaling down the street on a ten-speed bike, a race bike, a stingray bike or a bicycle built-for-two, bicycling is an outdoor sport that is fun to do, and rejuvenates our mind, mood and health.
May is National Bike Month, so why don’t you treat yourself to more bike riding and less driving or walking? Even if you don’t own a bicycle, there are shops and parks where you can rent a bike, or borrow one from a relative or friend, and go pedal the streets or the beach strand. Bike riding is socially oriented, pleasurable and gets you out in the fresh air. Although bicycling is a great form of exercise, the thrill of riding a bike feels like pure enjoyment.
Riding a bike is beneficial to our bodies in many ways, both physically and mentally:
• The exercise and fresh air reduce stress.
• It is easy on the joints.
• It helps promote weight loss.
• Pedaling the bike provides you with an aerobic workout.
• Bike riding builds body muscle.
• The exercise helps blood flow through the body.
• Pedaling adds to building strong bones.
• Bike riding is good for your heart.
• The rigorous exercise may improve how you walk, balance and climb stairs.
Whether you’re out for a leisurely bike ride, or you’re pedaling hard to build up endurance and strength, safety precautions must be taken. Wearing a helmet is needed to protect your head in case of a fall. Also, the height of the seat should allow a slight bend at your knee. Avoid pedal clips, as keeping your feet on the pedals during a fall could cause serious injury. If no bike path is available and you ride on the street, obey the rules of the road. Drinking plenty of water or electrolyte drinks before and after your ride is a good idea to help your body stay hydrated. Make sure your bike has reflectors and lights for night-riding.
Proper clothing is also beneficial for a satisfying, safe ride. Bike shorts are easy to move in and often made in bright colors, so you are easily seen by motorists. If you don’t invest in high-tech fiber bike clothes, wear loose fitted clothing that allows your legs and arms to move freely.
Join in the fun of bicycling by pedaling your way through the month of May. Support National Bike Month!
Try this invigorating mode of transportation. You’ll most likely find you love it. Even if you’re someone who prefers to drive a car, like me!
Nancy Mangano is an American beauty/fashion/style influencer, fashion journalist, screenwriter and author of the Natalie North murder mystery book series. Visit Nancy on her global online fashion/style/beauty magazine Strutting in Style! at https://nancymariemangano.com, her Facebook page Nancy Mangano at https://www.facebook.com/nancymmangano/ Twitter @https://twitter.com/nancymangano and her author website http://www.nancymangano.com
