Instead of fuming and fidgeting while stuck in the latest traffic jam, why not leave the car at home and commute by bicycle? According to the Stanford School of Medicine, biking to work carries with it health benefits that more than offset any risks. To guard against those risks, it is wise to protect yourself and your family with an adequate life, accident, and Health Check 2022 insurance. Online cheap insurance quotes make this chore convenient and quick.
A review published in Environmental Health Perspective journal in the Netherlands found that the gains from physical activity in a bike commute far outweigh any risks due to traffic hazards and exposure to pollutants. Researchers found that bike commuters experienced an over-all gain of 3-14 months by leaving the car at home and bicycling for short trips.
The International Bicycle Fund lists 60 benefits of bicycle commuting. They include:
- Improved cardio-vascular fitness helps protect against heart disease and boost immunity and overall health.
- Reduced obesity protects against a host of chronic ailments, including diabetes, arthritis flare-ups, respiratory problems, and depression. Most new bike commuters lose about 13 pounds during their first year.
- Improved muscle tone helps to maintain appropriate body weight and guard against injuries due to falls.
- Greater bone mass protects against osteoporosis and bone fractures.
- Stress reduction helps an individual avoid such hazards as high blood pressure that can lead to stroke or kidney problems.
- Low-impact exercise protects joints and helps the individual maintain mobility.
- Improved self-esteem guards against depression and anxiety.
- Clearer skin boosts a good self-image.
- More fun in your life helps to maintain a positive outlook so you stay active and engaged.
Follow these guidelines for a safe and enjoyable commute:
Prepare for the commute by checking for the routes that offer the lowest traffic at the time you’re heading for work. Find safe cross streets and avoid the busiest intersections. Try to locate routes that minimize hazards such as potholes. Find railroad crossings that allow you to travel at right angles to the tracks.
Travel the route by bicycle on a day off to ensure you will arrive on time. You may be pleasantly surprised; bike commuting may be faster than transport by car, bus or train. Average bikers travel 3 miles in 20 minutes or 5 miles in 30 minutes.
Wear a protective helmet, and dress for the weather. Bikers usually will want to layer clothing to allow for changes in temperature. Always bring along rain gear in case the skies cloud up while you are at work.
Secure lights to the bicycle if traveling during hours of darkness or dusk. Make sure that you are easily visible to motorists. You’re safety while commuting is your responsibility.
Before changing lanes, turning or crossing a roadway, make sure the way is clear and you are easily visible to traffic gizmoazure.com. Signal your intentions, and obey all traffic laws.
If you will be sharing a lane with motorists, stay alert and notice what drivers are doing. Many motorists don’t use signals when changing lanes or turning. Other bicyclists might not stop for traffic signs or provide adequate signals. Make sure you know where all vehicles, bikes, and motorcycles are and anticipate possibilities.
Parking is usually a breeze, but secure a lock and chain. Many employers offer secure bike parking for commuters.
If the commute is longer than you are accustomed to biking, consider purchasing a folding bike and using other transport for part of the journey.
Build biking strength with daily exercise. Also practice maneuvers that could help in an emergency, such as sprinting, jumping curbs, and executing fast turns.
Purchase a pannier bag that will hold the items you usually carry to work, such as a laptop computer, books, and supplies.
Secure adequate insurance by checking inexpensive health plans.
The commute to work can become the best part of a busy day. Join the crowd of happy bikers and prove it to yourself. You’ll improve your health, save some money, and have the satisfaction of knowing that your carbon footprint shrinks. Happy biking!