Bike Happiness

Did you know that more than half of Minnesotans choose to hop on a bike each year for errands, transportation, recreation, vacation and fun? According to data from the 2010 American Community Survey and Metropolitan Council’s Regional Travel Behavior Inventory, the number of weekday bicycle trips in Minnesota (for both commuting and recreational purposes) is between 87 and 96 million annually. And when you factor in weekend bike rides, this number rises even more. Needless to say, cycling is a huge part of Minnesotan culture. But do you know how riding a bicycle positively affects your well-being?

It might sound odd, but the invention of the bicycle may have had an impact on genetics. Invented near the end of the 19th century, bicycles allowed isolated communities to travel to places they previously were not able to reach. This allowed people to go out and find a spouse from a different area rather than marry within the same communities and families.

While technological advancements have virtually broken down all barriers to traveling (and finding a significant other), cycling remains a great way to commute and stay involved in the community—especially if you are too young to drive or too old to feel safe behind the wheel. Studies show that cycling, especially in cities with well-established cycling infrastructures, can have a major role in social inclusion for the elderly. It not only encourages seniors to exercise regularly, but also gives them a way to visit nearby family and friends.

Seniors aren’t the only ones who can benefit from regularly cycling. Cycling is a low-impact exercise that strengthens both your leg muscles and cardiovascular structure at any age. Cycling just 30 minutes a day can help with weight management and keep you staying fit. Plus, people feel more confident in themselves if they regularly exercise.

Research based in Copenhagen, Denmark—which has the nickname “City of Cyclists”—shows that cycling doesn't only improve your health; it improves your happiness as well. In the 2017 Annual Bicycle Reportreleasedby the city of Copenhagen, 41 percent of all trips to and from places of work or education in Copenhagen was by bike. The study also found that 66 percent of people cycling to work said they felt happy with their commute, while only 25 percent of people who used public transportation and 32 percent of drivers reported the same feelings. A big reason why cyclists report feeling happier is because they are getting regular exercise, enjoying the fresh air and not spending time stuck in traffic. There’s only one question left: Why aren’t you out there cycling, too?