I am a person of many interests, including photography, film and music, but one has persisted and grown incredibly in the past five years: cycling. Even in a cramped dorm room with a roommate, I still manage to keep my bike right underneath my bed, so I can grab it at a moment's notice.
A mode of transportation that predates the automobile by nearly 70 years—the first bicycle was made in 1817 while the first automobile was made in 1886—the bike has gone through many iterations. However, one thing has remained consistent in those 200 years: the benefits of the bike significantly outweigh the downfalls.
First, cycling is simply a great way to get and stay fit. Does this mean you will be compared to bodybuilders? No, but it is a full-body workout that engages most muscles, especially the lower body and core. By being an aerobic activity, you are also strengthening the heart and lungs.
The only major physical downsides to consider with cycling are long term and joint related, barring a crash or fall. The most common injuries among cyclists are knee and hip issues, but for the average person, these are unlikely to occur. The majority of these issues happen due to overuse. Compared to an activity like running, cycling is much less high-impact.
Like other workouts, cycling helps with mental well-being by keeping you active. According to the American Psychological Association, spending time outside and in nature is “linked to both cognitive benefits and improvements in mood, mental health and emotional well-being.” And what better way to get outside than on a bike? By going for a ride, you are slowing down the pace of life, allowing your mind to be more open and think of things other than stressors.
The accompanying feeling of accomplishment one can feel on a bike also factors into mental well-being. Completing your first major ride is an achievement that sticks with you forever, no matter how small the distance may be.
A big draw of cycling for me is the sense of freedom. On a bike, you can go places vehicles like cars cannot, as well as having the vehicle status while on the road, instead of the pedestrian status.
Cycling is also the most efficient form of human-powered transportation. You are covering more ground in less time than walking, and due to that, also burning more calories. According to Google Maps, if someone were to walk from Boyd Hall on West Green to Jefferson Hall on East Green, it would take approximately 17 minutes compared to six by bike.
The final reason many have chosen to switch their commutes to bicycles is due to their carbon footprint. Aside from the emissions of manufacturing and transporting the bike, it does not have the recurring emissions of cars. According to a Stanford study, “when converting a short driving commute to cycling, we find the average annual carbon dioxide savings are potentially significant for an individual, roughly equivalent to a one-way transcontinental flight.”
By converting a commute to a bike, you are also taking a car off the road that causes traffic. Even if you are annoyed by traffic while in a car, remember; you are not helping the issue.
From improving mental and physical health, being a much more efficient mode of transportation and reducing one's carbon footprint, it becomes clear the multitude of benefits associated with cycling. So, if you have a bike just sitting around, maybe consider taking it for a ride on a nice, sunny day.
Ethan Herx is a freshman studying media arts production and photojournalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to share your thoughts? Let Ethan know by emailing or tweeting them at eh481422@ohio.edu or @ethanherx.
