It may be that you use a mountain bicycle or a BMX, maybe you prefer a route or an urban, maybe you go in it to work or just go for fun... Whatever happens, using the bicycle is not only fun, it's also good for your health, for society, for the environment and even for the economy.
Let's start with the basics: riding a bicycle is a physical activity. In fact, the World Health Organization considers fast biking as an example of vigorous physical activity.
Along with adequate nutrition, physical activity is one of the axes of a healthy life: weight stays in control, decreases the risk of developing diabetes, hypertension, some types of cancer and other chronic diseases, besides helping to improve the state of mind
However, specific scientific studies on the use of bicycles have shown health benefits. For example, it has been found that biking improves physical fitness, respiratory and heart health. Among older adults, cycling seems to reduce the risk of falls by improving the balance and function of the legs. In addition, in places like the Netherlands, it is estimated that cycling avoids around 6,500 deaths each year and increases half a year life expectancy, with the gains for the economy that represents.
Promoting the use of the bicycle goes beyond fashion. It is a proposal that several cities and organizations like the Inter-American Development Bank are promoting to recover the value that this has in reducing carbon emissions to the atmosphere, in favoring citizen meetings, promoting equity, reducing vehicular congestion and improve mobility.
So do not hesitate, take your bike and celebrate this day with a good shot. Of course, always wearing the helmet.
Happy World Bicycle Day!
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