Feeling the wind on your face, the strain in your muslces, the peace that comes when you’re cruising through nature… Not much can top that. Here are 10 reasons you should be just as obsessed with biking as I am.
1. It keeps you fit.
Your legs will be solid rocks of muscle once you’ve made it a daily routine. There won’t be any place too far for you and your bike. Not to mention the bragging rights you will have knowing your legs are working like a well-oiled machine.
2. It’s good for the environment.
Just think of how satisfying it will be to know you aren’t contributing to more smog and pollution into our already disgusting air. You can travel from point A to B to C and so on guilt-free, knowing you are contributing to a greener society and future.
3. It familiarizes you with the city.
You don’t really get to look out the windows when you’re driving, or at least the rest of us hopes you don’t! When you’re biking, your eyes are opened to the life around you. You can hear birds chirping, people laughing, or sometimes even the silence of the night.
4. It’s an effective stress reducer.
Biking gives you a lot of time to think, you can either sort out your problems or think about nothing at all. Exercise releases serotonin into your brain, which will make you happier. Biking can also empower you and help you develop a strong self-efficacy.
5. You’ll save money on gas, car insurance, or a car payment!
This should be a no-brainer for college students. Think of all the snacks you can buy with that money you saved by not driving. Ice-cream on a less tight budget? Sign me up!
6. There’s always bicycle parking—and it’s always free!
This is easily one of the biggest perks about biking. You always get front row parking, and everyone can check out your sweet ride as you arrive or depart.
7. You get around faster.
There’s no waiting for cars to move forward in that long stretch of traffic, feel free to just cruise on past in your very own bike lane. Although it’s difficult to get to most places in Salt Lake without having to go uphill, that’s where you’re in luck. Frequent Trax and UTA routes can take you up some of the steepest hills in the city, and then you can cruise back down them later!
8. You’ll sleep better at night.
Exercise is incredibly good for the brain, and produces hormones that will not only make you happier, but will also help you to get into your REM sleep cycles at night, also known as the deep sleep cycles. You’ll wake up feeling more refreshed, aware, and ready to tackle any challenge.
9. It’s always an adventure.
Whether you’re cycling through new neighborhood streets or mountain biking through the grassy foothills, you’re sure to discover something new and have fun along the way. An additional advantage is being able to ride to amazing lookout points to see all across the valley. Salt Lake has some pretty amazing sunsets, and your bike will take you to the best places to watch the sun go down.
10. It keeps you healthy.
There’s nothing like breaking up all that phlegm in your lungs after a long hard bike ride. Studies have shown that exercising boosts your immune system, warding off things like the common cold and even more serious diseases, not to mention increasing the capacity of your lungs.
There are many reasons one may choose to bike, and these are only a few of my reasons. Don’t be afraid to fulfill that inner childlike drive of yours! Hop up on that bike and go for a ride.