随着共享单车的出现和普及，似乎有越来越多的人开始选择骑车出行。在一些城市中，骑行文化逐渐兴起。这是为什么？除了锻炼身体以外，骑车还有哪些好处？

 

They say once you learn how to ride a bike, you never forget. Most of us learnt when we were kids, and many still strap¹ on our helmets, put our feet on the pedals, and shoot off for a ride around the streets. In recent times, cycling has seen a boost in popularity, so the question is, what makes it so appealing to people to straddle their bikes once again?

 

First, let's look at the health benefits. Cycling can improve your cardiovascular health and burn excess body fat. Strengthening your leg muscles in your calves² and thighs³ helps to increase your potential torque and cadence⁴. And cycling's benefits aren't just physical, but mental as well. A long ride in the countryside could help you to clear your mind, or de-stress. But it's not only about your body and mind – there are also some plus sides for your wallet's health.

 

Cycling can be a great way to commute⁵ or get about town. By cycling, you save money on fuel or train fares. If you do drive into work, sometimes finding somewhere to park can be a nightmare, whereas finding somewhere to chain your bike up can be much simpler. Then, on the train, there are changes at stations and other commuters speaking loudly on their phones to deal with. Cyclists face neither of these issues. And if you're worried about safety, there are designated cycle lanes in many major cities. Wearing high-visibility clothing, sometimes referred to as 'hi-vis', is another way to improve your safety when cycling on the roads.

 

Finally, cycling can also be good for the environment. It can help you to reduce your carbon footprint. Not pumping out fumes⁶ into the atmosphere is better for the planet and your own environment.

 

So, whether people want to cycle for their health, getting about town, their wallet, the environment, or a combination of all of them – the popularity of cycling is on the rise.

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