The mother of all high-performance bicycle races, the Tour de France, doesn’t start for another two months. But that doesn’t mean those of us who have no intent to claim the yellow jersey can’t at least wonder what life would be like riding in the 21-stage endurance competition.
This week was the kickoff of National Bike Month, established in 1956 by the League of American Bicyclists. National Bike Month is an opportunity to showcase the many benefits of bicycling and encourage more folks to give biking a try. May is also recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as Bicycle Safety Month, and often includes reminders of proper rules of the road and use of safety equipment, such as helmets and reflectors.
There are multiple reasons why bike riding should be a part of life here in South Florida. One major reason is that biking leads to better health. Bicycle riding, even on flat ground, is a great way to get an aerobic workout. And having fun while exercising and including other people in your exercise routine — which is easy to do with bicycle riding — makes it easier to stick with an effective regimen.
Riding a bike can help burn approximately 500 calories per hour, and the aerobic/cardio qualities can help reduce the risk of health ailments like coronary heart disease. In addition, the more you ride, and increase stamina, the more improved your immune system, heart rate and blood pressure will be.
Biking also allows us to take in the world around us in a more leisurely way. Bicycle riding can be a fun, relaxing means of spending time together with friends and family. It’s a way to break out of the cycle of 40-hour work weeks behind a desk, to allow people to focus on themselves in a less-stressful environment.
Local communities, particularly Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, have been making improvements and expansions to local bike paths. There are plenty of bike paths in the area, and they are easy to find online. For example, the Map My Ride web site shows numerous bike path options in Wellington (www.mapmyride.com/us/wellington-fl) and Royal Palm Beach (www.mapmyride.com/us/royal-palm-beach-fl).
When biking on a trail, be sure to stay on designated pathways and be mindful of slick, muddy or changing trail conditions. Always remember to wear a helmet and to make sure reflectors, brakes and other safety features of your bike are working properly. Biking can be fun, and a way of shaping up, but there are still some precautionary measures that should be taken.
Speaking of trails, riding a bike is a benefit to the local community. Bicycle riding, especially to work or school, can help reduce gridlock and pollution. Avoiding commuter traffic via biking can put you in a better mood before starting your work or school day, and bicycling to work or school frees up parking spaces for those who do drive. Fewer cars on the road can also help reduce the chances of auto accidents.
So consider taking a bicycle ride to enjoy all the benefits that cycling has to offer. Your body, mind and spirit will thank you!
