These days, there’s no place anywhere in the world that you won’t find bike lanes and people riding their bikes. More than just a means of transportation, biking means a lot of things to people, which is no surprise it has evolved into the cultural icon that it is.
There are a lot of reasons people ride bikes – for exercise, to enjoy the scenery and get to know the neighborhood, to go to work or school and to take the proverbial ride down nostalgia lane. While there are those who think bike riding is for kids, there are those who absolutely cannot live without it. In the age of advanced technology, tablets and smartphones, it can be refreshing to find somebody who still prefers to walk or bike to work rather than drive expensive SUVs.
Also, in communities around the world, there is a growing need to provide people more options and opportunities to go biking, to bike more often and to bike to more places and doing so safely. After all, the benefits of riding a bicycle can be expressed in terms of improved personal and environmental health, reduced traffic congestion, an enhanced quality of life and economic rewards.
As far as economic benefits go, this can be measured in terms of reduction of insurance and maintenance costs since you don’t have to use your cars as often and the growth of business within the community because they are easily accessible by biking.
And for people who would like to try biking, there are tons of online stores where you can check out the best bike models of today or maybe a vintage bicycle for those who love to go down memory lane. Of course, since we buy most of our stuff off the internet, why shouldn’t we be able to buy our bikes online? Not only will you find that they are cheaper online, you’ll also be able to browse through a wider array of models and do research to find the best ones for you because after all, a bike also needs to fit your personality, not just your style. With the many tips, advice and suggestions available online, you won’t have any trouble finding the right bike for you.
Among other things, bike riding is a simple and cost-free way to have fun, an activity that is easily learned and not as easily forgotten. Some people on the other hand, are reluctant to try biking because of their innate fear of hills and cars but as any biking enthusiast knows, once you get over your fear of hills and cars, you’ll love the feeling of freedom and riding on the open road, with nothing but nature’s breathtaking scenes to enjoy. As for those who were born and bred in the city, like New York for example, biking is the best way they have to be able to enjoy the outdoors.
Amidst the towering skyscrapers and heavy traffic, a bike allows you to zip through all the congestion and during the weekends, when everything slows down to a leisurely pace, you get to understand why New York, is one of the most vibrant cities in the world. It is only when we slow down and take ourselves out of the race that we get to appreciate what surrounds us and why we are here.
If you’re the type who’s family-oriented, riding bikes can be a good bonding activity. Kids these days who were born to mopeds and cars, may find riding a bike quite quaint at first but as most families have found out, there’s just something about trying out something new that even sparks a trend among your neighbors. And when you check out bike stores both online and off, you will be able to find bicycles Sydney fit for your family, which can be another reason to bond because you are huddled in front of the computer trying to find the best bikes.
Also, once you start riding your bikes, it’s a lifelong adventure that you’ll always go on, regardless of any physical problems you are having. Just as equestrians will always go back to riding their horses even after falling a couple of times, avid bike riders will always go back on the saddle because it’s what keeps them going. It’s the mental lift that they need to keep trying and keep living despite everything. Want a little pick-me-up after a bad break-up? Schedule a weekend bike ride with your BFF and you’ll find yourself wondering at the end of the day why you even shed tears for the lout you broke up with.
Feeling like life has let you down or is ganging up on you in some way? Get on a bike and feel your worries and tension drain away as you feel the wind on your face and the beauty of your surroundings enveloping you. Feel in your mind that you are faster than any car, faster than any train and you’ll soon feel that you can take life on again and not get bogged down by it.
As mentioned before, there are a lot of reasons people love to ride their bikes but the main one is because it’s part of who they are. Sure, it helps them do their bit for the environment and burns off a few calories along the way but it also makes them feel happy and at peace with the world and with themselves. Who can argue about feeling that good? In addition to never being late for anything ever again, you don’t have to pay for another parking ticket for as long as you live.