As the weather gets colder, we see less and less cyclists on the city streets. Slowly, but surely, most people are saying “goodbye” to their bikes until spring. However, things don’t necessarily have to be this way. Although it’s not so friendly at times, winter can be a great season to take your bike for a spin. Here are a few reasons why you should continue riding your bike:
- It strengthens your immune system
Perhaps you’ve all heard the saying “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”. Or, in this case, what doesn’t get you a cold strengthens you. Even if you might feel somewhat uncomfortable in the first runs, you’ll get more and more used to it and eventually begin to like it. And there’s a bonus: you don’t have to worry about sweating.
- You’ll impress your friends
Most people don’t like the cold weather and do everything they can to avoid it. It’s not a bad thing, it’s just how some people are. Perhaps some of your friends fall into this category. Whenever a discussion about the weather pops up, you can always raise some eyebrows by saying: “I don’t mind the weather, I ride my bike anyway”. Someone of them might think that you’re a bit crazy, but eventually they’ll appreciate you for your courage.
- It helps you stay fit
It’s no secret that people usually gain weight during the winter. This is especially true during the holidays. We all know the cause of this: no exercise and too much eating. However, by just riding your bike to work or school, you can balance the score and enjoy holiday treats guilt-free. As a bonus, you won’t be stuck in a car or the bus listening to awful Christmas commercials.
- It increases your self-esteem
Riding a bike in sub-zero weather is no ordinary feat. Most people don’t like being outside more than five minutes when the temperature is so low, let alone ride a bike. So knowing that you’re doing something the majority of people can’t is a great boost for your morale. This will build up in time and perhaps lead to other courageous acts, like running during heavy snow.
Riding a bike when it’s almost freezing may seem intimidating, but trust us, it does have some hidden benefits. We’ll leave it for you to discover and enjoy them. Happy riding!