Bicycling is a healthy, enjoyable form of exercise
The new school year is in full swing, and routines will finally return to normal. As the weather cools off, more activities are taking place outside – especially when a break from homework is needed.
Of course, one way to freshen the mind is – you guessed it! – cycling. It’s a healthy and low-impact form of exercise that brings a smile to all ages.
There are a few things I encourage you and your family to consider before getting back on two wheels this fall: safety, hydration and theft.
Safety I could simply tell you to “Remember those helmets!” and move on, but there’s much more to bicycle safety than helmets (although I definitely would not advise against them).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Children (5- 14 years), adolescents and young adults (15-24 years) have the highest rates of nonfatal bicycle-related injuries, accounting for more than one-third of all bicycle-related injuries seen in U.S. emergency departments.”
More than 33 percent is pretty high for these age groups, and bicycle helmets can reduce the risk of head and brain injuries in the event of a crash, according to an article published in the US National Library of Medicine, titled “Bicycle helmet efficacy: a metaanalysis.”
There are additional ways to keep you and your family safe: using reflecting lights on the bike, wearing fluorescent or retro-reflective clothing, riding with traffic, signaling your turns and not using headphones or smartphones while riding.
Meaux Loridans, an attorney who has been commuting via bike since September 2005, believes it’s important to be proactive in avoiding an accident in the first place.
“I use a mirror on my visor to be more aware of what's around me, especially when changing lanes,” Loridans said. “I use a Hi Viz vest to give the driver a more heads up to my presence, and I use lights at night. These are important to keep from getting hit by drivers.”
For more tips on bicycle safety, visit bicyclesafe.com.
Hydration Be sure to stay hydrated before, during and after you ride your bike. The Department of Health and Human Services, State Government of Victoria, Australia, reports that while you’re cycling, you’re increasing your muscle strength and flexibility, improving joint mobility, decreasing stress levels, improving posture and coordination, decreasing body fat levels and reducing anxiety and depression.
And that’s not even all of it. Good ol’ H20 will assist these benefits even more, so fill up that CamelBak!
Theft Of course, none of us want to have any of our stuff stolen, and we should all know it could happen to anyone at any time. Be prepared; keep a lock on your bike(s) at all times, and be sure to have it inside your house or the garage when you’re home.
Traveling with the bikes in tow? Bring them inside the hotel room, cabin or guesthouse overnight. You can never be too careful. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than gearing up for a ride only to find your vacation mode of transportation has been stolen.
Cycle on!
There are plenty of routes to take to your favorite spots in town; use Google Maps to map the route before heading out.
You might have to cross one – maybe two – larger intersections depending on where you are, but confidence in your rights as a cyclist and general knowledge will get you and your family where you want to be in such a fun way.
Karen E. Wissing works in Shreveport-Bossier City and loves her community.
E-mail your questions, comments or suggestions to editor@theforumnews.com.
