Why I ride a bicycle

Someone was questioning why I bicycle full time. Here are a few.

 

It's forced exercise. I've been less than consistent with exercise. I realized that, being in my 50's, it was very important to do better. I've never been much of a gym person. Outdoor activity was my usual means for exercise. Houston does have venues for outdoor activities and I did some of them. But I realized that I needed to do more. Cycling was a means to do so. Through commuting by bicycle, I have a bit of a workout every day.

 

I am exposed to more active people. Social activity has also been hit and miss. I haven't always made the best choices regarding the kinds of people I get involved with. Although I admit that cycling full time does change the volume of social interactions, it's a source for engaging with more active people who further motivates me to be active.

 

Cycling motivates me to make other healthy changes. Interestingly, bicycling motivates me to expand my fitness. Although cycling by itself is not a complete exercise routine, it has acted as a conduit to other exercise.

 

It's an environmental choice. Although I've had concerns about the environment and related affects on the quality of life, I found that I was not being as environmental as I wanted to be. As my income increased, so did the size of my vehicles. I put the breaks on that by switching to motorbikes. At the same time, I was mixing it up with bicycles but I rode the motorbike far more than the bicycle. When it came time to replace the motorbike, I decided to try bicycling full time for 3 months to see if I could do it. I did it. So I decided to forego getting a motorbike and stick with bicycling. I'll admit that I sometimes miss the speed. But other sensations relating to cycling compensate for the lack of speed.

 

It's addictive. I tend to have multiple bicycles because I do not want to have extended periods of time without cycling. I find that I am basically addicted to the physiological affects and feelings involved with bicycling. This is more positive than it sounds. As I noted earlier, my fitness routines had been hit and miss. But I am now thoroughly motivated to keep at it.

 

There are more reasons for cycling. But these are the ones which are forefront in my mind.