Trending 19th June 2015 by Online editors

On Your Bike: 7 Reasons To Take Up Cycling

It's National Bike week, and what better excuse to start making use of that trendy dutch bicycle you bought two years ago. We've found seven really big reasons to get on your bike and get cycling.

cycling

1. The freedom

Get on yer bike and the possibilities of where you can go are endless. There’s no traffic holding you back or annoying passengers in the car; you’re on your own and have full control over your chosen destination. It’s just you and the open road, lady.

2. The savings

Cycling is totally free, once you minus off the cost of maintenance, obvs. Don’t have a bike at home in the garage?  Register for the Dublin Rent A Bike scheme. It only costs €20 for the year meaning no more frantically searching for 20 cents in your bag to make up the €3.30 bus fare. Huzzah!

3. It’s pretty darn good for you

The health benefits of cycling are absolutely endless, “Cycling for 30 minutes, three to five days a week will improve your cardiovascular fitness,” says Niall M. Moyna, professor of health and performance at DCU. “It’ll also prevent cognitive decline, improve quality of life and reduce the likelihood of developing coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancer.”

4. It improves mental health

Cycling causes an increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor, the protein responsible for regulating stress, mood and memory. It’s also associated with low levels of depression and anxiety, so get on that saddle if you wanna improve your mood.

5. It aids weight loss

Rather than wasting a wad of cash in the gym, why not bin your gym membership and start cycling to work? Just one hour of pedal pushing a day can burn up to 500 calories. It’s also great for toning up your arms and legs.

6. It’s good for the environment

The average person emits 1.3 tonnes of CO2 a year from driving to work five days a week. By jumping on the saddle and cycling to the office you’ll be doing your bit for the environment and reducing your carbon footprint. You get to be mega smug about it to all your friends, too.

7. It’s fun

Let’s face it, being on your bike brings you back to when you were a young ‘un and your biggest worry was what ice cream flavour to have. Not a fan of solo cycling? Grab some friends and make a day of it.

By Laura Somers.

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