Speed, convenience, health, money saved - you get it all on two wheels!
Bikes are just plain awesome, we all know this. But changing habits is not easy. If you’re used to driving to work, or doing some morning subway strap-hanging, the idea of switching it up and biking to work may sound crazy.
Frankly - it is a bit crazy, we admit.
So this post is for the crazy ones. The ones who like getting to work on time; sleeping better at night; saving money. Read on, you nutballs.
Here’s 18 things that are just better about your life when you bike to work.
1- You’re healthier
Forget the “apple a day” myth. It’s no secret that getting in a few minutes of exercise is better than sitting in your car. But even a quick ride around your block can vastly reduce health-related expenses, and leave you with a little extra cash in your pocket. Proceed to use this extra money on a super sweet new bike light…or lots of coffee.
2- You save $$$
Speaking of cost, it wont only be your health bills that will take a plummet, now that you are using your bike more, you won’t need to spend as much time at the gas pump and shelling out dough to repair the car from those harsh city pot holes.
3- You’re more productive
A study done at the University of Georgia showed that taking part in low-impact exercise increased productivity over the long run. This was due to an increase in red-blood supply to vital parts of your brain responsible to cognitive function, therefore increasing task completion and better performance behind the desk. Your boss will love that.
4- You breathe fresher air
Oxygen. You know, that invisible airy stuff that keeps you alive? It’s essential to you and your immune system. Hopping on a bike early in the morning will give you a strong oxygen-filled start to your day.
5- You explore more
Trails, paths, back roads, new neighborhoods; you name it, your bike will take you there.
6-You avoid sitting still in traffic
Say good-bye to the days sitting captive in hours of traffic only to move 50 feet. There’s few better feelings in life than riding your bike along a bunch of bumper-to-bumper stuck cars. Later, suckers!
7- You’ll get from A to B faster
OK fine, this one is dependent on how far you’re actually going. But for SURE, if you’re going to work in a city, a bike beats rush hour subway, bus, and car routes in speed every day of the week.
8- You’ll be in a better mood
Being outside and raising your heart rate will naturally put you in a better mood. Increased oxygen to the brain in conjunction with Vitamin C from the sunshine = a happiness cocktail. (Note: an actual cocktail can also be a happiness cocktail, but probably not a good idea before work)
9- You (yes, little ‘ol you!) will have a smaller carbon footprint
Less people in cars is a good thing for the environment. Not sure why this is still a debate.
10- You’ll learn tons about bike mechanics
Eventually, you’re bound to run into some mechanical issues with your bike. Head over to your local bike shop, or the friendly know-it-all Mr. Google, and ask a lot of questions. You’ll learn a thing or two….or several….about what really goes into a bike. You’ll come out more appreciative, and knowledgeable.
11- You’ll sleep better
Working out for 20-30 minutes daily can aid in sleep quality in so…many…ways!
12- You’ll look younger!
Oxygen is an incredible thing…oh wait we already said that. Um, it’s an amazing and essential thing? Well, increased blood flow - which comes from exercise like biking - also increases the rate of vitamins and minerals to travel to the surface of the skin. Ipso facto, biking gives you a natural facelift.
13- You’ll improve your sex life (probably. we hope so. just…you might)
People who ride bikes are already 20x more attractive than the general public…google it. But also - riding your bike to and from work can increase the oxygen dispersal rate to your, shall we say…extremities.
And that’s awesome. Right? Right.
14- You’ll lose weight
Whether you have a goal to lose a few, gain some muscle, or just stay healthy, cycling to work can help you do that. It’s easier too, because while you are thinking about getting to work on time, you are forgetting the fact that it is exercise.
15- You can snack guilt-free
Since you are working out now, you’ll need to fuel that engine! Snack away my friend.
16- You’ll make new friends
Doesn’t matter where you are riding, being on a bike is both a lifestyle and a hobby. You are bound to find people who share the same interest as you. Pull up to that red light, turn to your biking neighbor and ask, “Come here often?” Smiles and friendship awaits.
17- You’ll be better at any other sport
Do you hike, play tennis, run or do anything else that requires physical exertion during your free time? A low-impact exercise routine can help increase endurance and performance off the bike for all the things.
18- You’ll be exposed to sweet new gear
Lights. T-shirts. Beer. Apps. You name it. Cyclists are always on the cutting edge of new gear and awesomeness, simply because you will be around others who share the same passion. Sweet!