If you like travelling often, you might consider bringing a bicycle along on your next journey. Believe it or not, a bike can provide more freedom on your trip since you can explore places not easy to walk or drive to – and so put two great activities together!
Walking everywhere can hurt your feet, and with gas prices currently so high, it’s worth considering taking up cycling. You can get to places more quickly than by walking and have a practical, alternate option for transportation.
The advantages of bicycling may be evident to those who already do it, but if you aren’t convinced, you may need to see what cycling can do. If you’re new to biking you may want to look into cycling around your own area before a trip. Hopping on a bike really can provide you with some excellent advantages while you travel, so take note of these amazing benefits on your next adventure.
Biking is Great Exercise
Cycling combines the great outdoors and exercise. There are multiple mental and physical benefits to riding, including utilising major muscle groups while increasing cardiovascular fitness.
You’ll strengthen your legs and lower body functions without putting too much strain on joints, and, as you continue to bike, your breathing will get easier, and you’ll be able to ride further and for more extended periods.
Cycling Helps Make New Friends
Biking is a social sport. You can join a cycling club or ride with others who brought their bikes along to expand your social network. You can quickly meet new people, particularly if you join a bike tour while on vacation – and you already have a common interest to talk about in biking!
Cycling is also a fantastic way to meet locals wherever you go. You can ask for directions and engage with others as a way to discover new places or activities within the area.
Bikes Are More Flexible
Bikes can get into tighter, narrow spaces where cars can’t fit. You’re able to ride through markets or crowded areas, gain easy access, and be closer to things. Many areas when travelling can only be explored on foot or with a bicycle.
You can venture to offroad locations in the woods or a forest or even in the mountains. Just ensure that you have the right kind of bike for these types of excursions; there are differences with a gravel bike versus a standard bike.
Cycling Is Less Costly
One of the more enticing advantages of bike travel is the amount of money you’ll save. It’s much cheaper to rent or ride a bike than rent a car or get a bus ticket for exploring. In addition, you gain the ability to exercise and get healthier while not breaking your travel budget.
If you can bring your own bike, you’ll save money on having to rent one. You may also feel more comfortable on your own bike, and benefit from not paying for transportation or gas. You can ride as far as you want and go pretty much anywhere that you want, and with the money you save you might be able to add an extra activity, new accommodation, or a fancy dinner.
Biking Helps You Feel Better
Whether you realize it or not, the physical health benefits are apparent, but there is also a mental health boost. For example, riding a bike generates adrenaline and releases endorphins that put you in a better mood and can help with relieving stress and anxiety. Being outside and breathing in the fresh air also helps to make you feel more at ease.
You might also feel terrific knowing that you are helping the environment. Bikes are eco-friendly and don’t emit any harmful chemicals or gasses. And with the added physical exercise, you also don’t have to feel too guilty about dessert later!
Cycling Travel Tips
When you take your bike or rent a bike on your next trip, don’t forget to pack biking essentials. There are some things that you should be aware of that will help ensure your safety and that you follow etiquette:
- Don’t forget your bike lock – you don’t want your bike to be stolen, but make sure to obtain the police report if it happens for your insurance.
- Bring all your safety gear – bike helmet, lights, reflective tape, etc. You don’t want to get into an accident while traveling. You should make sure you have medical coverage when traveling, just in case.
- Bring your own bike rack along, so you always have a place to park your ride.
- Bring tools in case you need to make any repairs or research bike shops in the area to get parts or pieces if necessary.
It would be most helpful to have your route mapped out for your travels, so you aren’t surprised by any crazy uphill roads or too much traffic. In addition, preparation will help you know the best neighborhoods and bike culture for your journey.
Cycling has multiple benefits and advantages when you are traveling. It can help bring more exciting things to your travels, and you can explore places and areas not easily attainable by car or even on foot. So get out your bike and do some cycling on your next adventure!
Words by Melissa Waltz
