We all say we’re going to do it every year, stop being so sedentary, get more active, start being a little bit more health-conscious and take better care of the environment.
Then January 2nd comes. No reason to let those New Year’s Resolutions fall by the wayside, sure it’s May, but the New Year includes the WHOLE YEAR. With the weather turning warmer and the rains starting to abate, maybe it’s time to start acting on that whole ‘less sedentary’ thing.
Even better, hit all those resolutions in one stroke! Bike to Work Day reminds you that just by changing your way of getting to work, you can accomplish all the goals you wanted to.
History of Bike to Work Day
Bike to Work Day was started by the League of American Bicyclists in 1956 to promote the health benefits of cycling to work. Although Bike to Work Day is one day you should definitely try to get on your bike, it actually forms a part of Bike to Work Week and National Bike Month. Now for some people, the idea of one bicycle commute is bad enough but for those who can’t get enough of 2 wheels, this means that you have the perfect excuse to get on your bike for an entire month!
Why take part in Bike to Work Day?
So here’s the thing about biking to work, it’s not just an opportunity to get out and get healthy, it has a massive effect on every part of your day.
- Better organization:
Getting out and biking to work requires you to get up earlier than usual, in turn encouraging you to spend some time waking up before you head out the door, and giving you the chance to plan for other things to do with your extra time. - Better work performance:
All of this will ensure that you are bright-eyed and bushy-tailed by the time you make it into the office, invigorated by your ride and ready to face the day with a bright new perspective. - Improved health and fitness:
It doesn’t just stop there either. The extra exercise you’re getting will have a direct positive influence on your diet, tastes, and goals. There’s something about exercise that makes you more aware and thoughtful about what you put into your body, and so if you have a few pounds to lose or simply want to be more conscious of your health, then cycling to work in the morning can be a great motivator.
- Saving money:
If health isn’t your biggest motivation then surely the potential cost savings can convince you to give Bike to Work Day a try? Biking to work will help you to cut a chunk out of your transportation costs, saving you money on public transport tickets if you usually take the bus or train and saving you money on gas if you usually drive. - Saving the planet:
Lastly, if for no other reason, then get on your bike for World Bike Day, to cut your carbon footprint and to help save the environment. The average car releases 271g of CO2 per kilometer driven, the average bus releases 101g of CO2 per kilometer driven and guess what? A bicycle releases just 16g of CO2 per kilometer driven, all of which comes from the fuel of the rider, aka your food.
The potential benefits of cycling are hard to deny, so what are you waiting for? Give it a try!
How to celebrate Bike to Work Day
This one is a no brainer there Bernie, get out and start riding your bike to work! Don’t be afraid to start small, set yourself a goal to ride to work every Monday, then up it to twice a week. If you’re enjoying it then keep going, to three, four or even five days a week. Even better, get a group of friends to do it too! Why have a car-pool when you can have a bike-pool! World Bike Day is there to give you the push you need to give bike riding to work a try, but whether you carry on with it, in the long run, it is up to you. You’re much more likely to continue your cycling commute if you do it for long enough to see the benefits – so get on your bike!
