World Bicycle Day
By Sara Norton
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This was one of my favorite sounds as a kid.
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The sound of a baseball card wedged into the spokes of my bicycle always put a smile on my face. Biking was my favorite childhood past time, and it’s an interest that has carried on well into adulthood. But what started as a fun way to waste summer afternoons racing my school friends around the neighborhood (and occasionally destroying the rookie card of an obscure outfielder) has morphed into a crusade to reduce my personal carbon footprint and maintain solid physical and mental health.
World Bicycle Day falls on June 3 this year. The United Nations notes that the day “draws attention to the benefits of using the bicycle — a simple, affordable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation.”
Biking produces zero greenhouse gas emissions. A recent UCLA report noted that “choosing a bike over a car just once a day reduces the average person's carbon emissions from transportation by 67%” and “a moderate increase in bicycling each year could save 6 to 14 million tons of carbon dioxide.” There is no back pedaling on that impressive statistic!
We understand the benefits of regular exercise by now. Even moderate daily physical activity reduces stress and boosts mental health. A 2015 Psychology Today article cited a study where patients being treated for depression with antidepressants saw their levels of the stress hormone cortisol drop after a 15-minute spin on a stationary bike.
Taking biking adventures on the road also has its mood-boosting perks! “Spending time in nature can, in itself, reduce stress and decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety,” noted Psychology Today. “There’s also evidence that ‘green exercise’ can boost enjoyment and motivation.” Just be sure to wear a helmet, safety first!
There are plenty of “wheelie” good reasons to tune up your bicycle and hit the road to celebrate this World Bicycle Day! Oh, and don’t forget the baseball card.
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