One of my neighbours’ daughter has been participating in Cycle Wari from Pune to Pandharpur for three consecutive years. What is so special about that? Many people participate in cycling activities nowadays. Well, when she participated for the first time she was only 10 years old. Yes, and the distance was approximately 200 kilometers. Amazing, right?
Over the last few years, I have seen many people from my neighbourhood participating in different categories of cyclethon.
In today’s world, people are becoming more aware of their health and fitness and indulging in different fitness and wellness activities including yoga, running, riding a bicycle and many more.
Among all these, I am going to discuss “cycling- the art of pedalling” that may help you become a healthier version of yourself.
Cycling- An Environment Friendly Mode of Transportation
With advancement in technology, everything has become speedier and easier than before. From bicycles to the space shuttle, transportation has made great progress.
However, many of these transportation modes, particularly those that operate on fuel contribute to air pollution. According to WHO (World Health Organization), every year 4.2 million premature deaths occur due to outdoor air pollution worldwide.
Where necessary, one can not avoid the faster ways of transportation but using fuel-free modes of transportation such as walking or using bicycles for short distances, can contribute to a healthier environment.
The highest cycling countries include Netherlands, Japan, and Germany. People in these countries use bicycles for short commutes to office or school, grocery shopping etc.
Thus, using bicycles for short-distance travel and public transport for long-distance travel such as metro, local trains or buses can contribute to the environment positively.
Cycling Benefits Beyond Just a Mode of Transportation
Although invented as a mode of transportation, numerous studies suggest that cycling provides numerous physical and mental health benefits
Physical Health Benefits
Regular physical activity plays an important role in prevention and management of many non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and several cancers.
Use of bicycles for short-distance commute covering only a few kilometers provides a good amount of physical activity.
Cycling may help reduce systolic blood pressure and cholesterol, improve blood flow, and stimulate hormone production. These are responsible for various physiologic interactions and strengthening the cardiorespiratory system.
In this modern era, people are busy balancing their personal and professional life and rarely get time for fitness or exercise which cannot be ignored. Without sparing any extra time for structured exercises and extra penny for a "stone's throw away" travel, cycling may help fulfill daily required physical activity goals.
Thus, cycling for short distance commutes is a form of aerobic exercise that positively contributes to a person's health and also environment.
Mental Health Benefits
Engaging in cycling activity may also help to improve mental well-being and may help reduce risk of mental disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
In this digital world, where people are occupied with mobile screens, pedalling the bicycles is one of the strategies that help to implement digital detox and psychological well-being.
Cycling Benefits For Older Adults
An overall well-being with good physical and mental health is a blessing at every age, particularly during old age.
Cycling helps keep the heart healthy, improves physical strength and balance, and increases body mobility. This in turn may help them to do daily activities independently even with growing age. Sounds good, right?
It also helps to improve mental health in older adults. It may help to reduce stress and depressive symptoms. These psychological effects may help them become more independent and also in connecting to other people.
However, proper infrastructure and policies are required that promote safe cycling for all people including older adults.
Benefits of Cycling For Children
You must have observed different age groups of kids riding bicycles in your surroundings, right? Riding bicycles together with friends is fun for them. As a child I have enjoyed slow cycling race in my school several times.
For children cycling is a physical activity that helps develop coordination, strength, and stamina. It also helps to build their confidence and self-esteem.
Engaging in activities like cycling or yoga may help reduce their screen time and also contribute to build a healthy body and mind.
However, appropriate protective equipment like helmet and knee and elbow guards must be worn to prevent any injury. Also, children should be guided that they should ride bicycles in safe premises to prevent accidents.
Conclusion:
Cycling is a simple mode of transportation for all age groups that is also pollution free. Riding a bicycle even for a few kilometers daily provides a good amount of physical activity. Promoting cycling activities and creating safe infrastructure for it, will be a useful strategy that promotes health and well-being. Many people participate in cycling activities nowadays. However, more awareness is required to promote this eco-friendly, cheaper, and fitness friendly travel mode.
Sources:
-
Goel, R., Goodman, A., Aldred, R., Nakamura, R., Tatah, L., Garcia, L. M. T., … Woodcock, J. (2022). Cycling behaviour in 17 countries across 6 continents: levels of cycling, who cycles, for what purpose, and how far? Transport Reviews, 42(1), 58–81. https://doi.org/10.1080/01441647.2021.1915898
-
Zargarzadeh M, Ribeiro ASN, Santos AMC, Rodrigues RN. Health Benefits of Cycling as a Form of Active Travel: A Pilot Empirical Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2026; 23(1):79. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23010079
-
Schoen SA, Ferrari V, Valdez A. It’s Not Just about Bicycle Riding: Sensory-Motor, Social and Emotional Benefits for Children with and without Developmental Disabilities. Children. 2022; 9(8):1224. https://doi.org/10.3390/children9081224
-
Paula, Mariana & Santos, Maria & Kreider, Richard. (2023). Cycling and the physiological effects. World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences. 15. 138-142. 10.30574/wjbphs.2023.15.2.0346.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and can not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any concerns related to any health conditions or before considering any treatment/therapy.
About the Author:
Dr. Zankhana Shah is a dentist with 10 years of experience in clinical dentistry. She has special interest in medical writing and likes to write educational articles on different topics related to healthcare, dentistry, diet and nutrition, fitness and wellness etc.
No comments:
Post a Comment