Throughout history, people from all over the world consistently show the power of human ingenuity. They create many inventions that shape how we live our lives. Some inventions can be so significant that it changes the face of society.
One of the inventions that made a huge impact on the world is the bicycle. It’s hard to pinpoint the exact origins of this contraption. But it has essentially evolved into a device that can be proven useful in many situations.
Today, bikes are used all over the world. These are generally used for transportation. And many countries try to make cities as bike-friendly as possible.
Bicycles are also used for leisure and exercise. Riding one is a physically demanding activity. There are even sports events such as the Tour de France and various triathlons that focus on bicycles.
Biking may be a good option for people who are looking for new hobbies. But of course, cycling is not a perfect activity. One should learn of the flaws that cycling has before purchasing a bike.
Cycling: A Risky Ride
Biking can be risky, especially for beginners. Before discussing how biking may be good for an average person, let’s look at some of its flaws. Knowing its bad sides can help one learn about the activity as a whole.
Biking Is Relatively Dangerous
It’s no secret that biking can be dangerous. Bikers are always subjected to different kinds of injuries. Some bikers who ride through city traffic are also subjected to car accidents.
Cities usually have designated lanes for bikes. This ensures the safety of bikers. Other places also make it mandatory to wear safety gear when riding a bike along city roads. These rules are implemented to uphold the safety of bikers.
But despite safety precautions, accidents can still occur. Bikes are no match for the mechanical power of motor vehicles. Getting hit by one while riding a bike can be fatal. Of course, a car accident lawyer can help one with this. But it’s hard to reverse the damage that this can cause.
Physical Demands
Apart from the danger the potential danger that it poses, cycling is also an exhausting activity. This may not be recommended for people who have health issues. This is also not ideal for everyday use if the location is far.
Of course, people can still do it. But they may have no energy left to concentrate on their other activities. Apart from that, they have to go over the same distance twice a day. This can be physically draining, which makes it unideal for regular use over long distances.
The downsides of cycling do not seem to stop people from using bikes. In 2019, there were over 48 million cyclists in the United States alone. This can be attributed to the idea that the benefits of cycling outweigh the risks.
Cycling: The Revolution
A bicycle is one of the best transportation alternatives out there. Most bikes are affordable. Also, almost anyone can learn how to ride one.
Good Exercise
Again, biking is physically demanding. This makes it a great workout for people who are looking for fun ways to stay fit. Cycling is a great cardio exercise. It also exercises one’s lower extremities.
Biking regularly helps one stay healthy. This might not feel like a workout at all because it is such an enjoyable activity. Of course, people should always know their limits when cycling. Biking may be too physically demanding for some. So it is best to ease into the activity.
Good for the Environment
Using a bicycle is also great for the environment. This is because it is powered by pedaling and gravity. Bikes are incredibly better for the environment compared to cars.
Vehicles, on the other hand, are one of the biggest contributors to air pollution. The absence of harmful emissions makes bikes a greener option for commuters. People who want to lessen their carbon footprint may need to switch over to bicycles for some of their transportation needs.
Great for Heavy Traffic
Bikes are also great for places with heavy traffic. Bikers can sometimes use sidewalks, given that they give way to pedestrians. Some cities also have bike lanes that only cyclists can use.
Bikes can slip through heavy traffic with ease. This is why it is rare for bikes to get stuck in traffic. They have the choice to get off the road when too many cars are present.
Cycling can be fun. And all that fun is supplemented by many benefits that are great for our way of life. Each of us should try biking when we have the chance to do so.
