The Benefits of Biking
National Bike Month
May is here and that means National Bike Month is too! Since 1956, people throughout the country have promoted the benefits of biking every year, and we are joining the conversation! We want to share some benefits and encourage the community to give biking a try. Bike to work, bike to school, or bike to explore your community, you choose!
Reasons to Bike
- Freedom: Remember that sense of freedom you experienced as a kid when you took off on your bike? You could go anywhere, see new places, there was nothing stopping you! Maybe you have started to lose your sense of wonder since then? Maybe you have been bored with your exercise routine, or even unmotivated to start? Break free from the car doors and ride in the open air. Take a new route to work or bike down new streets. Biking allows you to explore your city in a whole new way.
- Money: Biking to work saves money, fuel money! Not only can you cut back on your fuel expenses, you can double up and get your exercise in at the same time, saving time and money. Double win!
- Fitness: Biking is like jogging, but better for you! It is comparable in calories burned, but it is much easier on your joints, making it a great exercise for all ages (just like Westly’s Dance Challenge). Cycling improves cardio-vascular and aerobic fitness, it lowers blood pressure, boosts energy, builds muscle, and improves coordination. There are so many benefits to such a convenient mode of exercise!
- Happiness: It’s just fun. Simply put. Strap on your helmet, grab your cycle and go for a ride.
Local Biking Events
Where to bike? Who to bike with? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Aside from the West Orange Trail being at our fingertips, we compiled a list of a couple of events that you can jump in on whether it be on your own or with a group:
May 8th – National Bike to School Day: Join the thousands of students and faculty around the country who will be pedaling their way to school this year’s Bike to School Day.
May 12th – CycloFemme is the chance to join women around the globe, as they band together on bikes. Wheel Works will be hosting two rides both beginning at 8:30am. After both rides, celebrate with the group over some refreshments and snacks.
May 13th – National Bike to Work Week: Break free from your car and bike to work this week!
May 15th – Ride of Silence: Join cyclists worldwide in a silent 8-mile, slow-paced ride in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways.
May 17th – National Bike to Work Day: Finish the National Bike to Work Week by biking to work on the single largest day for all Americans to ride to work. Join the fun!
We Want to Hear from You!
What’s your reason to ride? Where is your favorite place to bike?