As kids, all of us have had cycles at some point of time. It was a fun activity we could undertake with our friends. Some adults say that regular cycling helps kids grow taller! So that is another advantage.
The joy of riding something independently was hard to match and till we grew old enough to drive, cycling was the only lone riding experience we could have.
Cycling with the breeze blowing through your face gives one a joyous and refreshing feel.
Cycling is often a good way to explore a place when you are travelling. Eg. A trip to Goa is best spent cycling through the city to get a feel of the place and culture and visit various spots.
Participating in cyclothons is a unique opportunity to experience the sport with numerous other cycle riders and gives a community feel while being individually challenging at the same time.
Off late cycling competitions have caught people’s attention and are a good way to be in touch with the sport, while cheering for your favorite rider.
Cycling has many advantages as a sport and some disadvantages, both of which we’ll explore through this article.
Advantages of Cycling
1. Helps stay fit
Cycling involves pedaling your way through the road and requires effort on your part to move the bicycle forward.
As this helps to exercise the body, cycling is an activity that can help you stay fit and one you should incorporate in your fitness routine.
2. Helps lose weight
Riding a bike helps people burn fat and surplus energy from their bodies. It slows down the body’s fat storage which promotes healthy weight management.
It helps increase metabolism, which leads to burning more calories.
3. Boosts brain power
Focusing on the road or your cadence when cycling can help you develop concentration and awareness of the present moment.
One study found that biking outside improved cognitive functioning and well-being for older adults
4. Improves balance, co-ordination and posture
Balance tends to decline with age and inactivity, so it’s vital to stay on top of it.
As you stabilize your body and keep your bike upright, you’ll improve your overall balance and coordination and even your gait
5. Muscle strengthening
Leg and waist muscles are the primary muscles used by bike riders, and using these muscles can strengthen the muscles in this area.
It targets your quads, glutes, hamstrings, and calves.
6. Strengthens bones
Cycling as a form of exercise strengthens bones, by enhancing bone mass.
As it is a low impact exercise, while cycling joints don’t come under stress.
Cycling helps enhance balance and strength.
7. Reduces tension & de-stresses
Cycling helps to clear your mind and reduce stress. Cycling in the open works like a stress reduction strategy.
8. Is good for cardiovascular health
Cycling is a fantastic way to raise your heart rate, improve cardiovascular function, while enhancing overall fitness level.
9. Helps combat Type 2 diabetes
Sedentary lifestyles can lead to this type of diabetes.
A research reveals that if you cycle at least half an hour daily, you can slash the probability of developing diabetes by as much as 40%.
10. Reduces the chances of cancer
Cycling helps in reducing the chances of cancer, particularly breast and colon cancer.
Besides, cycling involves exercise of your abdomen, which helps in reducing the chances of bowel cancer.
11. Saves time & money
As a result of cycling, you don’t need to pay for tickets and fuel, thus saving you money.
Also you can bypass traffic jams in the city, making your commute faster.
12. Is Eco-friendly
Every kilometer traveled by car leaves behind around 120g of carbon dioxide.
By switching to a bicycle, you will reduce air pollution in your area.
A bonus is not having to fight for a parking space in crowded areas.
Now, let us look at the disadvantages of cycling
1. Accidents
Compared to cars, bicycles are more susceptible to accidents. With cars, you have more coverage and protection around you.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there were 726 accidental cyclist deaths and 50,000 injuries in 2014 alone.
If cycling is practiced as a sport, adequate protection gear is required. When exercising on a bike, wear a helmet as it can significantly lower your risk of suffering a concussion in the event that you fall off.
Additionally, knee, ankle, elbow, and wrist pads are frequently used protective gear when riding and can help prevent sprains, contusions, and other injuries while riding.
2. Pollution
Air pollution is concern if you’re cycling in a city.
You may choose to cycle on days when the air is cleaner or ride on less congested roads.
3. Poor Infrastructure
Lack of adequate infrastructure for cycling is a concern. Most of the cities do not have bike lanes.
If there is no proper infrastructure in your town, you are probably forced to ride on the pavements (illegal) or the streets (dangerous).
4. Improper Weather
Pedaling in a torrential downpour is hardly pleasant for most cyclists.
Additionally, such trips can be dangerous – after all, a sudden taste of wind may even knock you off your bike.
Sometimes it is worth using other means of transport, protecting yourself from serious injuries.
5. Impact on lower body
Cycling can cause pressure on the pelvic area and buttocks, which can obstruct blood flow.
Long-term riding can enlarge and congest the prostate, which can lead to prostatitis and other conditions.
For optimal comfort, select a softer and larger seat cushion and modify the seat height.
6. Hand Injuries
Tightly gripping the handlebar with both hands is essential when riding a bike.
There’s an inevitable risk of overstretching the wrist joint when you pedal faster uphill.
You risk straining the wrist joint if you are not careful. As a result, it’s important to move the wrist quickly and work to prevent cycling-related hand injuries.
7. Spinal Problems
When riding, watch how you position yourself.
Incorrect posture will always cause the neck muscles to become tense, putting a lot of strain on the waist while also causing excessive forward leaning, head elevation, and neck tilting.
Additionally, neck and lumbar discomfort are readily caused by prolonged cycling.
If you want to ride for an extended period of time, be mindful of adjusting your riding position or take a brief break before continuing.
5. Sun Protection
For extended daytime rides, use sunscreen on all exposed skin. Reapply every 2 hours, especially if you’re sweating.
Wear UV-protective sunglasses and a hat.
Consider investing in UV-protective clothing.