Many people in my city are of the opinion that you are financially broke if you constantly use a bicycle for short distance journey instead of using your own car or taking the public transport. This is however not true. I have carried out a thorough research and I have been able to find out that cycling also contributes to the longevity of life that many people have enjoyed.
My paternal grandfather was one of those who enjoyed longevity of life as a result of cycling. My grand dad had a white bicycle which we normally referred to as "the white horse". Since we did not know the worth of a bicycle then, we mishandled that bicycle immediately after he passed on and we regretted many years later.
He lived up to a hundred and five years old. I know you will conclude that he did not live that long because he used to ride on bicycles. I know there were people too during his days, maybe his peers, who also used bicycles just like he did, but they died too early and did not live up to the age he did. Well, that happens.
I am not saying everyone will make it to their old age just because they cycle a lot of times, no! I am only saying that if God decides that you live up to your old age, cycling will help you stay strong and even stronger when your peers appear frail. There were many things that my grandpa was able to handle himself and everything by himself that many people within his age bracket could not do.
At that age, he was able to walk by himself without using a walking stick, he did not suffer arthritis as many people do when they become older. I knew that he was able to stay that active in his old age because he used to cycle a lot.
I have traveled widely within my state, Akwa Ibom, in Nigeria, and the common means of transportation I see in some places, particularly the interior part of the state is the use of bicycle, both by the young and old and even by older women too. In all of these places, there is something common among these people who use the bicycle as their means of transportation. They are always very strong, active and agile, even the women too.
It has been medically proven that cycling, whether done as an exercise or used as a means of transportation has a whole lot of benefit to the human body. Cycling helps to fight off and prevent joint and waist pains, and even a disease like arthritis which is often responsible for its victims having difficulties in walking. Cardiovascular diseases like stroke, heart disease and high blood pressure can also be warded off through regular cycling as it helps to reduce the risk of these diseases. Cycling is a sure way to improve ones cardiovascular health.
Regular cycling can also improve bone density.and can reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fracture. Doing regular cycling can help your bones become stronger.
Another benefit of cycling is that it reduces fatigue and can help in boosting one's mental health. It helps to maintain flexibility, especially in the hips and knees.
Apart from the health benefits of cycling, it also has some environmental benefits. For example, cycling is a means of transportation that is eco-friendly because there is no emission of carbon by the bicycle, no traffic congestion and air pollution.
Posted Using InLeo Alpha
This post was upvoted by the Cycling Community
Subscribe to the Cycling Community and share your cycling related posts with us.
Join our Discord Channel if you want to chat about cycling.
You can support the Cycling Community by delegating HP
| 25 HP | 50 HP | 100 HP | 250 HP | 500 HP |