There are countless reasons why bike riding is great for you!

Cycling is not only enjoyable but also boosts your physical and mental health, provides a convenient way to travel locally, and is eco-friendly.

1. Fun and Adventure

Riding a bike isn't just a practical way to get around—it's fun too! Remember the freedom you felt as a child riding your bike? You can experience that joy again by embarking on an adventure in your own neighborhood. Check out our guide on rediscovering the thrill of cycling.

2. Mental Health Benefits

Regular physical exercise, like bike riding, can have a positive impact on your mental health. Some of the benefits include:

1. Reduced stress and anxiety

2. Release of feel-good chemicals that lift your mood

3. Lowered risk of depression

4. Improved sleep quality

5. Increased creativity and productivity

3. Convenience and Efficiency

Cycling is often more convenient and efficient than driving, especially for short trips. Unlike motor vehicles, traffic is rarely an issue, making bike rides more predictable. Benefits of cycling include:

Door-to-door service: Bikes can be parked closer to destinations than cars.

Speed: Cycling can be quicker than driving for trips up to 5km.

Time efficiency: Predictable travel times with no traffic delays.

4. Health Benefits

Physical activity is essential for good health, with health experts recommending at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each day. However, research shows that 30% of Queensland adults aren't meeting this target. Bike riding is a fun way to get active, improve cardiovascular fitness, and enjoy all the benefits of regular physical activity.

5. Economic Benefits

Cycling is a cost-effective alternative to driving:

1. The cost of buying and maintaining a bike is about 1% of the cost of owning and maintaining a car.

2. Cycling 10km each way to work can save you around $1,700 annually on transport costs (including maintenance and depreciation).

3. Bicycle parking is often free, more accessible, and more convenient than car parking.

6. Transport Benefits

For trips under 5km, cycling is an ideal option, yet 79% of journeys in South East Queensland of this distance are made by car. Opting to cycle instead of driving brings multiple benefits to our transport system:

1. Bikes cause less wear and tear on road surfaces, while bike paths function as efficient freeways at the cost of a footpath.

2. The annual cost of traffic congestion is estimated at $5 billion. More cyclists and fewer cars can reduce this burden.

3. Bicycle facilities expand the reach of public transport services. On average, 10 times more households are within cycling distance of public transport than walking distance.

4. Many car trips to schools are short enough to walk. Cycling or walking these short trips alleviates congestion around schools and improves safety for children.

7. Social Benefits

Cycling offers affordable and independent travel options for people who might otherwise have limited mobility. Key social benefits include:

1. It provides increased mobility for those with low car ownership, such as low-income earners, seniors, the unemployed, and young people.

2. Shared bike and pedestrian facilities also improve access for people with disabilities by enhancing pathways and road crossings.

3. As more people cycle and walk, it creates more opportunities for social interaction, fostering a stronger sense of community and boosting mental well-being.

8. Community Benefits

Encouraging cycling in neighborhoods offers numerous advantages:

1. Fewer cars on the road lead to safer environments, especially for children who can ride with less risk from traffic.

2. Cycling encourages people to shop locally, benefiting nearby businesses and boosting the local economy.

3. Bike riding increases social interaction and fosters a greater sense of community connection.

9. Environmental Benefits

Cycling is one of the most eco-friendly modes of transportation:

1. It uses minimal fossil fuels and produces no emissions, making it a pollution-free option.

2. Cycling reduces the need for the construction, maintenance, and disposal of cars, which helps lessen environmental impact.

3. Bike riding conserves roadway and residential space, paving the way for greener urban areas with more plant life and less concrete.

Why We Ride

The video by Global Cycling Network