nature and increasing daily exercise are also cycling benefits, says it’s bolstered her happi- ness and quality of life. “I don’t have to spend time going to the gym,” explains the freelance writer and photogra- pher. “I’m getting my exercise on my bike. I feel healthier and in bet- ter shape now.” Several studies
Bicycling is fun, safe and easier and faster than any other mode of transportation. It saves me money,
makes me healthy and above all else, brings me joy every day.
~ Elly Blue
show dramatic health benefits for bike commuters. The Archives of Internal Medicine reported that when University of Copenhagen researchers analyzed mortality from all causes in 13,445 women and 17,441 men, they found that non-bike commuters, even those otherwise physically active, had a 39 percent higher mortality rate during the 14-year study period than those that biked to work.
In another study, researchers fol-
lowed 67,143 women in Shanghai (of whom more than 75 percent cycled) and found those that used bikes had a 20 to 50 percent lower risk of earlier mortality than their non-regularly exer- cising counterparts. They also boasted reduced rates of diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease (American Jour- nal of Epidemiology). Studies published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health further found that countries with higher numbers of biking or walking commuters have lower obesity rates. Cycling boons transcend health benefits, expanding social circles for example, Blue and Strobel agree. “I was introduced to a whole new community,” Strobel recalls of her time in Portland with new cycling friends that she joined for group rides and camping trips. Blue suggests finding fellow
cyclists by seeking riding groups online or participating in charity rides. She ob- serves that cycling can instill a greater sense of community, because it’s easier to stop and interact with others. Cycling also makes people green-
er and leaner. It reduces gas and car maintenance costs, while keeping pol- luting vehicles off the road, observes Strobel, who cleared college and other
www.add-care.com natural awakenings May 2013 31
debt by making her life transformation. “There are just so
many benefits to bicy- cling, and they are all really big things that contribute to the quality of life,” advises Strobel. “It feels so good to be on my bike and just slow down. In my old life, I was moving at such a fast pace that I didn’t even notice the change
of seasons. With cycling, you notice everything.” For biking and other life-simplifying
tips, follow both women on their blogs: Blue at
TakingTheLane.com/blog and Strobel at
RowdyKittens.com/ archives. Find equipment specifically designed for women by industry pioneer Georgena Terry at
TerryBicycles.com.
Freelance journalist Debra Melani writes about health care and fitness from Lyons, CO. Connect at Debra
Melani.com or
DMelani@msn.com.
www.vitalitymarketing.net
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