Top Five Reasons to Ride your Bike to Work

The weather around Philadelphia has been absolutely gorgeous the past few days. It has been unseasonably warm and because of this – or maybe because we are getting ready to start our fourth annual GVF Bike to Work Challenge (have you signed up yet?) I have never been more excited to get back on the old bike.

One of my goals for this summer is to commute to work by bike much more than I did last year. I thought I would make a list of my top five reasons I ride to work in hopes of inspiring more people to take the plunge and ride!

Top Five Reasons to Ride your Bike to Work

1. Save Money

With the cost of gas approaching or even exceeding $4 a gallon, riding a bike just makes sense. No gas required, not to mention the extremely reduced costs of maintaining a bike as opposed to an automobile.

2. Get in Shape

Bicycling is an excellent way to exercise, and if it is part of your everyday commute it is automatically built into your schedule. The World Health Organization suggests that increasing physical activity is a public health 'best buy', and that cycling is a 'highly suitable activity' for this purpose.

3. Relieve Stress

Traffic, pollution, road rage, congestion – all of these make up most American’s daily commute. Long commutes have been linked with obesity, neck pain, loneliness, divorce, stress and insomnia. Ride a bike, enjoy being outside, arrive less stressed and get more work done.

4. It’s fun!

“Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bike.” - John F. Kennedy

Riding a bike is just plain fun. There are few greater joys in life then cruising around on a warm spring day on a bicycle. Don’t believe me? Try it!

5. Be a part of GVF’s Bike to Work Challenge

If you decide to try bike commuting, make sure you are registered for the GVF Bike to Work Challenge. This is our fourth year running the challenge and it is a great way to keep track of your miles, savings and progress! In addition, it provides us with data we can use to improve cycling in the greater Philadelphia area!

Register Today!

Posted in: Alex Felts,biking,events,green