Bike riding is a low-impact exercise that builds strength, stamina and aerobic fitness while protecting the environment by reducing air and water pollution caused by motor vehicles.
Are You a Bicycle Rider? : Are You an avid bicyclist if you enjoy cycling in groups and long days full of climbing? When riding alone or as part of a group, with spare inner tubes, pumps, wrenches and other tools in tow.
Choosing a Bike
Finding a bike to meet your cycling goals is of the utmost importance. Your ideal bike should fit perfectly, making long rides comfortable – this is especially crucial for older adults with neck or shoulder issues. Additionally, look out for features which enable riders to mount and dismount without extra effort required from you.
Decide what kind of cyclist you want to be. Perhaps you want to race against friends, or maybe it’s fitness and enjoyment you seek – once your goal is clear, finding the bike that meets it becomes much simpler.
Test riding your bike over different surfaces is highly recommended to gain an idea of its handling and feel. There are a variety of online bike size charts which can assist in choosing the correct frame size based on your height and inseam length (the distance from ground to crotch). An optimal seat angle should be slightly level so as not to lean too far forward and cause strain on your knees, hips, and lower back.
Safety First
Just like learning how to drive a car requires practice, so does learning to ride a bicycle in traffic. For optimal results it is wise to begin in an environment without vehicles before moving onto roads and highways. Many accidents involving bicycles and cars are preventable if both bicyclists and motorists adhere to road rules while practicing safe behaviors at all times.
Every rider should wear a helmet that fits properly (not too loose or tight). Furthermore, brightly-colored clothing during the day and retro-reflective gear at night or low visibility is advised for safety and to increase confidence levels when riding at low visibility levels. Only one person should be on handlebars at any one time; any hands must remain off until signaling turns or signalling turn signals. Follow traffic flow rules regarding pedestrians and drivers while being cautious at intersections – taking these measures will make you a more safe and confident cyclist
Getting Started
No matter if it is for exercise, social connection or convenience; cycling has many advantages that can improve both physical and mental wellbeing, as well as being great for the environment and local businesses.
Beginning is often the hardest part, but there are ways you can increase your odds of success and stay with it. If you’re just getting started, try riding two to three times each week at an endurance pace, gradually building distance as time progresses.
Learn road riding skills and safety by enrolling in a bikeability course (check with your local council or bike shop), joining a cycling group, or seeking help at an open ride. When riding on roads, ensure to ride at least a metre from the edge of traffic lanes to prevent getting knocked off by passing cars and consider wearing protective gear such as helmets and padding clothing to reduce injury risk and chafing – cycling is an excellent low-impact form of exercise which won’t put undue strain on joints either!
Training
Riding a bike can be an enjoyable form of exercise for people of all ages, particularly children. Not only will riding help build balance and core muscles in children, it can also develop their communication skills as they learn how to follow directions, request assistance when needed and celebrate successes.
Cycling apparel designed to improve performance and comfort on long rides may also include aerodynamic helmets and padded gloves for added protection and improved performance.
A cyclist can train by performing hill reps and riding on both roads and velodromes. Additionally, group cycling events like Critical Mass are popular; each month’s last Friday riders gather together in one location before traveling through city streets as one big group. Engaging in regular endurance training can help cyclists feel stronger, stabler and in control on their bikes, thus decreasing injury risk while prolonging enjoyment on the bike for longer.