For Estonians, riding a bicycle is often something that has been obvious since childhood, but as we get older, the dust collecting bicycle in the basement is more and more forgotten. If you’ve got a bike that works, why not use it? Cycling is one of the easiest ways to get around, to promote health and taking a bow to the environment.
Even though the weather in Estonia is moody, it’s not too late to get your two-wheeler out at the end of summer and enjoy riding it all autumn long. And why not winter too. Here’s a reminder of why cycling benefits you and others in eight different ways.
Cycling gets the whole body moving
Daily cycling is a low-impact exercise that provides a wide range of physical and mental benefits. If low exertion and cruising aren’t for you, cycling also provides a daily workout. It’s just a matter of will and time.
Cycling is a great way to improve cardiovascular function. According to the British Heart Foundation, regular cycling can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 50%. Just 20-30 minutes a day of cycling to and from work is enough to reduce your risk. Cycling strengthens heart muscles, lowers heart rate at rest and reduces obesity.
A good way to burn calories. Harvard University notes that a person weighing around 70 kilograms burns around 300 calories during a 30-minute bike ride, so regular cycling helps maintain a healthy weight.
A positive boost for the spirit. We know that any exercise in the fresh air is good for our endorphin levels, but imagine if just commuting at sunrise eases your stress and anxiety, and returning from it gives your mind a day’s rest.
Increase in muscle strength and flexibility. Cycling certainly builds strength in the lower body, but it is also good for the joints and the whole body. Waking up in the morning with a stiff body isn’t fun, so get your legs moving and reap the benefits.
Cycling doesn’t just benefit you, it benefits society at large
Greenhouse gases are a climate threat that can be reduced by cycling. A study by the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) found that if other Europeans cycled as much as Danes (around 2.6 km per day), carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced by 7 million tonnes per year.
Getting tired of sitting in a traffic jam with others? You’re in constant motion on a bike. Bicycles are smaller in the first place and can fit more people on the move, but in bigger cities, including Tallinn, a bike can be faster and less stressful on the way home. For example, in Tartu, a bike-sharing project is up and running, with dozens of places to pick up a bike and make your commute in comfort. You can find the Tartu bike sharing service on Stebby HERE.
If you’re driving alone and fuel prices are a headache, a bike is cost-effective. Put the money you have left over from fuel into savings, or plan something fun for your day. Bike parking is free too, and you can get almost anywhere in the city. Saving more than €300 a year on pure transport costs, not to mention car maintenance, can be a huge benefit.
Move throughout the year. Although in Estonia we often have to deal with snow or the snowy “mush”, the range of bicycles is large enough that there are models on the market that can cope these conditions. One example is fatbike-style bikes, with wide tyres that keep you on the ground and stable at all times. If you’re not swayed by riding in the cold, there’s no obstacle.
The autumn sun is here, the roads are dry and the mornings are still warm – so get your bike out, your helmet on and take advantage of it all. Getting started is the hardest part, you’ll enjoy it more as you get into the habit.
Find rides, renting, events and workouts on Stebby HERE.
