Cycling for transport regularly has been shown to benefit both physical and mental health. Cycling is a low impact exercise that can get you moving while minimizing strain on joints. Regular physical activity is associated with decreased anxiety and stress among University Students and active forms of transportation such as cycling are a great way to incorporate regular physical activity into your daily routine. Like many forms of physical activity, regular cycling has also been shown to reduce the risk of chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease as well as cancer.

Sources:
Environ. Int. 2018;120:199-206
J Am Coll Health 2013;62:67-74 BMJ 2017;357:j1456
prev. med. 2015;76:103-14

Cycling is an environmentally sustainable mode of transportation and most trips made in large metropolitan areas are short and easily bikeable (less than 5 kilometres). For every kilometre cycled, carbon emissions are reduced by 0.25kg compared to traveling by car. The City of Hamilton, along with many other Ontario municipalities, has declared a climate emergency. Reducing dependency on single occupancy vehicles can be part of our strategy to mitigate climate change. Cycling can also help reduce excessive air and noise pollution in busy areas. By choosing to bike you can help contribute to more people-friendly streets.

Sources:
Increasing Cycling In Canada, A Guide to What Works 
Hamilton declares Climate Emergency
UN Environment: Cycling, the better mode of transit 
Share the Road: Benefits of Cycling

Cycling is fun! Being active and spending time outdoors has been shown to contribute to higher energy levels and better sleep. Cycling can also be a great way to explore your community. By biking to new destinations, your navigation skills will quickly improve and you’ll be exposed to new areas.

Cycling is affordable and convenient; it can save you time and money for short distance trips and can be a great way to connect different transportation modes as part of a multi-modal journey.

Cycling can also be a great way to socialize and build relationships. Whether going for recreational rides, meeting other cyclists in your community or engaging with community organizations, advocacy or mentorship, the cycling community is a welcoming space for people of all ages and abilities.

Sources:
The Social Effects of Biking
Sports Med. 2012; 36:767-80
Extrem Physiol Med. 2013;2:3
Friendly Streets Toolkit