10 reasons why you should start cycling

With fuel prices at a historic high, and expected to keep rising, you’re probably already driving less and cycling more. But in case you’re finding it hard to break the four-wheel habit, we’ve listed ten more reasons below to ride your bike instead of taking the car.

1. You see the city in a way drivers never can

On two wheels and moving at a comfortable pace, you can really enjoy your surroundings and see, smell and hear things you’d never notice in a car. Which of your neighbours has the best landscaped garden? Which bakeries smell so good you just have to stop? How many different architectural styles can you spot? On a bike you can take the scenic route, explore and be a tourist in your own city. Every ride becomes an adventure.

2. Health and weight loss

Pedalling at just 15 km/h burns around 400 calories per hour. And studies show that cycling a few times a week lowers blood pressure and stress, while boosting your energy and improving your overall mood. Your doctor might have to wait a bit longer before buying that yacht!

3. You can live with one less car and save money

According to our very unscientific study (read: on Google), the average monthly car cost is €400. That’s just depreciation, insurance, road tax and average maintenance. Not to mention fuel. By getting rid of that vehicle and using your bike, you simply save a lot of money.

4. Cycling makes you feel younger

It’s pretty amazing. You actually feel younger and get more years out of your muscles, joints and organs by simply using your very capable self to pedal around instead of sitting like a statue behind the wheel. Cycling might be the closest thing to a real Fountain of Youth. Like few other sports, it keeps you fit and young with very little risk of injury. We know plenty of 55-year-old regular riders who look and move as if they’re closer to 35, and even 80-year-olds who still love to ride — and can, because they’ve been cycling for years.

5. You never get stuck in traffic and always have the best parking spot

If you cycle in the city during rush hour, you’ll love cruising past long lines of vehicles waiting at red lights (do watch out for cars turning right that might not see you). While drivers breathe in exhaust fumes (studies have shown that cyclists inhale less exhaust), and honk at each other, you feel the breeze and enjoy the sights along the road. Not to mention you always have a great parking spot and often even beat your colleagues who drive to work.

6. It’s easier to pull over

In your car you almost never take the time to stop on the way to enjoy the view, grab a coffee or treat yourself to an ice cream by the roadside.

7. Cyclists are attractive

According to a study led by Dr Romualdo Belardinelli, director of the Lancisi Heart Institute in Ancona, Italy, the effects of aerobic exercise are comparable to those of Viagra because both widen the blood vessels. That might sound a bit scary. The point is that regular exercise, like cycling, makes you feel better, increases your energy and even helps you look better. All of this makes you more interesting to — and more interested in — the opposite sex.

8. You can cancel your gym membership

Riding outdoors easily beats the treadmill, elliptical machines and the three pieces of cardio equipment you still haven’t figured out. There’s also no waiting in line for those machines. Best of all, you no longer have to watch Popeye bench-pressing weights that are about as heavy as a small car.

9. You get a healthy glow

You’re out in the fresh air and when the sun’s shining, you reap the benefits. A nice summer glow appears in no time. Just make sure you put on enough sunscreen.

10. You’ll never be late for work again

Because you can avoid traffic and cruise faster than gridlocked vehicles, you’ll probably commute quicker on two wheels and never be late again. And if you are late, it’s probably because you decided to take the scenic route. We’ve done it too. But tell your boss you had a flat tyre. We know you can fix a puncture in a few minutes, but he doesn’t. And he should be impressed that you make the effort to cycle in, keep yourself healthy and free up a parking spot for someone else.

Hopefully you’re convinced to use your bike as your means of transport instead of your four-wheeler. Not sure which bike to buy? No problem, read the next article “Welk type fietsen zijn er” and buy your bike online.