The number of bicyclists in the U.S. has increased in recent years, with more than 52 million people above the age of six choosing to ride bikes in 2020. This translates to approximately 1 in 5 Americans regularly cycling for transportation or recreation.
If you’re still contemplating whether you should give cycling a try, this article will explore five reasons you may want to buy a bike, and just in case you do have a mishap make sure you contact a bicycle accident attorney.
5 Reasons to Ride a Bicycle
1. Riding a Bicycle Can Improve Your Physical Health
Cycling is a low-impact exercise that can help you achieve your health and fitness goals. Studies show that riding a bicycle for 30 minutes could make you lose between 286 and 381 calories, depending on your weight and the cycling speed.
When you keep your calories at healthy levels, your blood vessels become healthier, keeping you safe from the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. Burning calories through cycling can also help protect you from conditions such as type 2 diabetes.
2. Riding a Bicycle Benefits Your Mental Health and Overall Brain Power
Like other exercises, cycling triggers the release of endorphins, chemicals that play a vital role in stress reduction, pain management, and a general sense of well-being.
This can improve your mood and help you battle feelings of anxiety and depression, which can be dangerous for your health.
Therefore, try riding your bike for at least 10 minutes whenever you feel somewhat heavy-headed. Regular aerobic exercises such as cycling can increase the blood flow to the brain, preventing memory loss and improving mental sharpness.
3. Riding a Bicycle is Environmentally Friendly
Our planet is facing severe environmental challenges due to human activities. According to EPA, transportation accounts for 27 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, the single best contributor to climate change.
However, you can help make a difference in the lives of future generations by choosing a bike as a mode of transportation. Unlike other transportation forms, cycling uses zero fuels and emits no harmful pollutants into the air.
4. Riding a Bicycle Could Save You Money
With the price of gas constantly rising, driving has become increasingly expensive. On top of that, if you own a car, you have to pay for insurance, registration, maintenance, and parking fees.
In contrast, the cost of owning and maintaining a bike is much lower. In fact, in some places, some organizations offer free bicycles to encourage people to ride to reduce congestion and gas emissions.
5. Riding a Bicycle is Fun
Very few things can beat the feeling of the wind on your face as you pedal down a trail or road. Moreover, there is no limit to where you can go when cycling leisurely or as a sport.
You can cruise along quiet country roads or go for a ride on the beach in the company of friends or family. You can even participate in group rides and get to meet new friends if you want to challenge yourself.
What to Do if You’re Involved in a Bicycle Accident
No matter how careful you are while riding, you cannot eliminate the chances of getting involved in an accident entirely. After all, you cannot control the actions of other road users.
According to the CDC, over 130,000 bicyclists suffer injuries, and nearly 1,000 die in accidents involving bicycles and motor vehicles on roads in the United States every year. That means you should consider yourself lucky if you have been riding for years without a single incident.
One of the key things to do after a bicycle accident is to seek medical attention to ensure your health. You may also want to collect evidence from the accident scene, especially if you want to pursue compensation for damages resulting from an accident caused by someone else’s negligence.
Be Sure to Involve a Lawyer
While you can file an injury claim independently, contacting a bicycle accident lawyer is best if you suffered significant damages. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can help prepare evidence, handle settlement negotiations, and even represent you in court if your case goes to trial.
