Biking is one of the easiest ways to exercise. One can ride a bicycle almost anywhere, at any time of the year,and without spending a fortune. Many people put off doing certain sports maybe because of the high level of skill required, or perhaps because they cannot commit to a team sports due to time pressures. But with biking,all one needs to get started is a bike,a little time,and a bit of confidence.
During the 1820's the bicycle was considered as a children's toy. But this changed in the 1860's when father and son Pierre and Ernest Michaux transformed the bicycle into a kind of transportation that can help people travel in s fast and easy way. Ernest Michaux invented a bicycle with pedal in 1861.
Biking increases muscle tone. Improves general muscle function gradually, with little risk of over exercise or strain. Regular biking strengthens leg muscles and is great for the mobility of the hip and knee joints. Improvement in the muscle tone of the legs, thighs,rear end, and hips is gradually seen.
It is a good way to build stamina. One who enjoys biking would not notice how he or she has gone while biking.
It makes the heart pound in a steady manner and helps improve cardiovascular fitness. It uses the largest muscle groups in the legs and raises heart rate to benefit stamina and fitness.
Biking is a good way to lose those unwanted pounds. Steady biking burns approximately 300 calories per hour. Biking for 30 minutes every day would burn 11 pounds of fat in a year. Since it helps build muscle, it will also boost the metabolic rate long after riding is finished.
It is an activity that involves the whole body. Therefore, arm to leg, feet to hands, and body to eye coordination are improved.
Any regular exercise can reduce stress and depression and can improve one's well being and one's self esteem. Biking outdoors is also a good way to be with nature. It also makes one to feel the breath of the earth. It takes one's mind out of everyday life stress and rejuvenates one's soul.
Biking have power pedal skills. There is a right way and wrong way to start a bicycle from a stop. Some folks start with a foot on one pedal and the other foot paddling along on the pavement trying to get the bike rolling. This is a bit dangerous. Attempting to cross a wide street,one may not be able to get up enough speed to keep from colliding with cross traffic.
To do the power pedal there's a technique;
Pull one pedal (whichever feels more natural) up so that it is about two thirds from the top of the pedal rotation.
Put the foot on that pedal and stand on it. This will naturally push the bike up and onto the saddle, and the other foot can easily find its pedal.
The bike is now controlled and can accelerate and shift as needed.
While shoulder check is an absolutely critical skill. The ability to scan over the shoulder without making the bike swerve is a necessity. The mistake an inexperienced cyclist will make is pulling the left end of the handlebar with the left hand as he turns his head. This makes the bike swerve left before the cyclist has checked to be sure it is safe to move left.
To do the shoulder check, practice this skill in an empty parking lot. Use the parking space lines to keep track of how straight to ride.
The arms should be slightly bent at the elbows. This is very good practice in general; it reduces stress on the hands,wrists,and shoulders,and prevents wobbling or over steering.
Drop the shoulders a bit and focus on just turning the neck and head.
If there are mobility issues with the neck or want to get an especially good view of what is going on behind, take the left hand off the bar and place it on the thigh.
Remember,it is the left hand which inadvertently pulls on the bar; the right does not push it.
Braking: The brakes should be used properly. Many novices are afraid of the front brake, believing it will "throw them over the handlebars." Such fears are probably based on childhood mishaps or on poorly maintained bike. A well maintained front wheel and brake will stop safety and effectively. This is important because the front brake has about 70 percent on the bike's braking power.
Bicycle riding is fun, healthy,and a great way to be independent. But it is important to remember that a bicycle is not a toy; it's a vehicle! Be cool..follow some basic safety tips when riding.
Before using the bicycle,make sure it is ready to ride. The bike should always be inspected to make sure all parts are secure and working properly.
Avoid riding at night, it is more dangerous to ride than during the day because at night, a rider is harder to see. If one has to ride at night, something that makes one more easily seen by others should be worn.
We must obey all traffic laws, all traffic signs, and lane markings should be obeyed when out in the streets.
We should be stay alert at all times, watch out for potholes,cracks,wet leaves,storm grates,railroad tracks,or anything that could make one lose control of one's bike. Since one needs one's ears to her traffic and avoid dangerous situations; avoid wearing a headset.
The car culture has developed over generations and will not change overnight. Rising levels of congestion, pollution, obesity and recognition of climate change have led to Government action to encourage cycling, particularly as an alternative to motoring. To an extent these efforts are succeeding and there has been a rise in the number of cyclists on the roads in recent years.
Cycling remains though a minority activity. One major challenge is in enticing individuals to trade the virtual invulnerability of a motor car, where the risks are borne by others, for the vulnerability of the cyclist to the mistakes of motorists. The risks to the cyclist are not as high as they are often perceived and are counterbalanced by the health benefits of exercise. However, the perception, aided and reinforced by segregation and requirements for personal protection, feeds the reluctance of cyclists to take to the roads. Potential road cyclists as a consequence remain in the car or ride on the pavement.
Many people get hurt because they don't follow the rules of bike safety.
Thanks for reading 📖
Love lots ❤️
