Commuting to work can be stressful when you get stuck in a traffic jam, sardine-packed into a bus, or stuffed in a crowded subway. Many people dread it, and research shows that Americans spend nine whole days yearly commuting to and from work, but it’s worth noting that this is only the average, and those who must commute to large cities spend even longer doing this, and they may even require to change different means of transportation in order to get to their workplace. And unfortunately, lengthy and stressful work commutes have many adverse effects, impacting everything from employees’ productivity to their health and overall happiness.
The good news is that you don’t have to quit your job because of it – instead, you can switch to bike commuting, which has been proven to have many surprising benefits. For instance, did you know that cycling to work decreases stress by as much as 50% during the workday? It’s true – and it isn’t the only reason you should consider riding a bike to work. Let’s explore some of its most significant advantages:
Cycling eliminates traffic stress
Only those who live in the country or are lucky enough to have the office near home can avoid the stress of traffic when going to work. The others.. well, they spend a lot of time stuck in congestion, which is indeed not the best way to start and end a work day. The good news is that commuting by bike can change that, putting you in charge of your journey.
While any bike will give you a ride from home to work, there are some bikes that make commuting much simpler, such as electric bikes, which are eco-friendly, speedy, and cost-effective. They are ideal for commuters due to their onboard motor, which assists with pedaling and decreases the level of exertion required, which means you will get to work feeling fresh and ready for the day ahead. The good news is that buying an e-bike doesn’t need a significant investment, as you can look for a used e-bike for sale, benefitting from incredible savings while simultaneously ensuring you enjoy a great ride when going to work!
Cycling benefits your health
While any type of exercise is good for your health, cycling is among the best cardio exercises that exist, and it provides a low-impact workout that gets your heart pumping and helps strengthen your leg muscles. Moreover, it helps burn off more calories compared to a run or a
walk, and it can be beneficial if you have niggles or aches in your feet, knees, or hips because it is low-impact and can take the pressure off them.
Cycling can even protect you from illnesses like heart attack, stroke, some types of cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and obesity, and what’s really great about it is that, unlike other sports, it doesn’t require significant levels of physical skill, so you can easily integrate it in your daily life and reap all the amazing benefits for your health.
Cycling is cost-effective
Driving to work by car is pretty costly – in 2021 alone, American households spent on average over $5,000 only on car insurance and payments, and now, the cost of driving to work daily is going to the roof, considering the spike in gas prices.
Luckily, this isn’t the case when it comes to cycling, which is another reason why you should switch to it when getting to work every day. A new commuter bike retails for around $250-$1,500 USD based on the style, brand, and components they are after, while the maintenance cost is only around $50 USD. Even if you choose the most expensive type of bike, you can still save a lot of money! For instance, you can look for a budget e-bike if you don’t want to opt for a traditional one, and once you get the necessary safety equipment, you’re all set.
Cycling is good for the planet
Cycling can help you reduce your carbon footprint, which is incredibly important in today’s world, where climate change’s effects are having a bigger impact than ever. Did you know that during the Covid-19 pandemic, there was a dramatic drop in CO2 levels in major cities? That’s true – and it’s because people stayed home and no longer commuted.
Now, this doesn’t mean you should stay at home to reduce your impact on the planet, but if you commute by bike, you can truly make a difference in creating a greener future.
Cycling improves your overall happiness
Pedaling to work can make you happier compared to navigating a congested city. In fact, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that it can make your daily commute a form of therapy, as you get to enjoy your surroundings and feel a sense of freedom which you cannot get when stuck in the traffic in your car. Cycling truly comes with many opportunities, as it allows you to explore the city at your own pace and try a different route or even stop to buy some coffee on your way to work.
There’s plenty of research that has shown the benefits of cycling for mental health, including stress relief, reduction of depression symptoms, and improvement in sleep patterns for those dealing with insomnia, to name just a few. Besides, cycling in rural and urban areas alike has been proven to boost your overall mood and even increase your confidence – quite incredible, isn’t it?
Remember to stay safe when cycling to work
As you can see, there are plenty of benefits when it comes to riding a bike to work, but it’s essential to follow some rules as a rider. Remember that your safety on the road primarily depends on your behavior, so if you feel tired or think you’re distracted, it may be a better idea to avoid riding your bike at that time. Biking is no different than driving when it comes to your attention – it requires you to keep your eyes on the road and ensure you will be safe. Moreover, it’s essential to wear a bike helmet that will protect you and obey all the rules of the road, such as stopping at traffic lights and staying within the permitted speed limits. Ultimately, remember that biking is all about comfort, so make sure to choose the type of bike that is perfect for you.
The bottom line
There’s a reason why bike commuting has become so popular, as it provides numerous benefits for your mind and body. Besides, it keeps the planet healthier, as a bike doesn’t emit tons of CO2 as a car does on a daily basis. So, knowing all these perks of bike commuting, will you embrace them from now on?