The bicycle is a great ally for the environment and little by little it is being implemented in countries, especially in Northern Europe. In some countries such as Holland, Germany or France, it is inevitable to think of them and not think of bicycles walking through their streets. People who go to work, to school, to the gym, to meet someone, bicycles with big baskets to carry the groceries. You also find them at night, to return from a dinner with friends. It’s the way they move around the city.
Governments are increasingly aware that the bicycle is the best alternative to reduce environmental pollution, for the shortage of fuel, its prices and the damage that this does to the planet. Many countries join the pedal revolution and propose cities with streets that allow the use of bicycles, beyond their sporting or leisure utility, facilitating transport within urban centers, with infrastructures to park them wherever you go. There is still much to do, but it is already known that the bicycle has been making its way for years, because it is the best means of transport to help the environment.
Deterioration of the environment
For the environment, changing the motor vehicle for the bicycle entails a series of notable benefits for the planet. It reduces the levels of atmospheric and acoustic pollution, because the bicycle does not pollute by using human energy for its movement, unlike vehicles that emit toxic gases into the atmosphere, affecting air quality. For this reason, they insist on the urgency for society to make a change with transport and thus achieve cleaner and purer air.
Problems such as the greenhouse effect, global warming and climate change would be reduced if we became aware of this matter. It is a problem that affects the planet and hence to human existence. The proof of this information is the number of deaths and illnesses associated with fossil fuel pollution, such as respiratory conditions or allergies.
According to data from the European Environment Agency, cars, vans, trucks and buses produce more than 70% of the total greenhouse gas emissions from transport. Some 1.5 billion cars circulate on the world’s streets, contributing to the dramatic deterioration of the environment.
All this information should invite us to reflect on solutions that contribute to being friendlier with nature and to be more aware of the footprint we leave with our individual actions. But as important is the action of citizens as that countries take seriously the implementation of safer and more connected bicycle paths, so that the maximum of the population can change their car for the bicycle.
8 benefits of cycling
If you still have reasons to use the bicycle and help the planet, here are some of the benefits that this means of transport produces in humans, if you use it frequently or daily.
Agility
In the city, cycling takes less time to reach your destination. Urban traffic means spending more time moving around the city, something that does not happen if you use the bicycle, since it supposes a greater agility compared to any motor vehicle.
Healthier heart
Regular cycling reduces the risk of heart disease by up to 50%. As reported by the British Heart Foundation, some 10,000 fatal heart attacks could be prevented each year if people took care of their heart by staying active. Cycling 30 km per week reduces the risk of heart disease by less than half compared to people who do not exercise.
Mobilizes the intestines
When you get on the bike, the hips move and it activates the muscles of the belly and stimulates the contraction of the intestinal muscles. This action that you perform when pedaling has many benefits for your digestive system, preventing abdominal bloating and constipation.
A better rest
The bicycle allows you to have contact with the outdoors and with daylight which will help you synchronize your circadian rhythm. In addition, cycling releases large amounts of cortisol, the stress hormone, from the body. These things will help you get a deep and restful sleep.
Stronger lower back
The position to be maintained on the bike strengthens the muscles of the lower back. Namely, with the body leaning slightly forward, grasping the handlebars with a straight back and keeping the abdomen strong. It is one of the areas that causes the most ailments and sick leave. While you move from one place to another with the bicycle, you will be doing a postural exercise that will help you improve the resistance of the lower back.
Tone up the legs
When pedaling, the buttocks, quadriceps and hamstrings are actively used, working all the muscles of the legs, strengthening and toning. If you take care of the muscles of this area of the body, you will have them stronger and will be more functional for day to day, beyond the aesthetic component that it supposes.
Better skin
With movement, the body optimizes the production of collagen, which is ideal for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and for healthier skin. Likewise, it increases circulation, so also oxygen and nutrients, eliminating toxins, avoiding flaccidity and helping tissues to be healthier.
Healthier knees
Cycling is a low-impact practice for the body, so the knees are not overloaded and the cartilage is not damaged. Pedaling is a way of exercising the muscles that support the knee Pedaling is a way of exercising the muscles that support the knee and, as it is an area that wears out over the years, causes health problems. Remember that every time you use the bike, you are reinforcing, strengthening and protecting your knees.