10 Reasons to Bike to Work

Having lived and worked near a college campus for the last decade, I can tell you that my husband and I have experienced the benefits of biking to work firsthand. My husband even shares an office with a man who also bikes to and from work. But this healthy habit isn't just for people near colleges and universities. It's something you should consider. Here are ten reasons why you may want to start biking to work.

1.) You'll lose weight. Couldn't we all stand to drop a few pounds? Aren't we always trying to do so with unpleasant methods? There are shakes, powders, and far too much lycra typically involved in this pursuit. How about just hopping on your bike and letting the pounds come off the natural way? That's something you can be proud of.

2.) Think of how much you'll save on gas money. With gas prices constantly in flux, even a short commute each day can put a major dent in your bank account. Skipping gas altogether when it comes to your commute? That will put major money back in your hands for bills.

3.) Lower your risk of heart attack. Biking is cardiovascular exercise, and regular cardiovascular exercise can lower your risk of heart attack significantly.

4.) Have some quiet time to yourself before and after each work day. From the time your alarm clock goes off in the morning to the time your head hits the pillow after the nightly news, we never get a moment of peace or quiet. Can you even remember what the natural sound of the world is? Even the organic sounds of a morning bicycle commute can sound like music to your ears and give you a break from the radio, television, and computer.

5.) It gets you outdoors. When was the last time you let yourself get out and play? When we were kids, we lived for the great outdoors. Now it's all fluorescent lighting and stale air. Getting outside can do wonders for your mood.

6.) You're helping the environment. You're not only going to lose weight and improve your mood by biking to work, you're also going to be doing your part to break our dependence on oil, cutting down on smog levels, and significantly lessening your carbon footprint. Bike to work every day, and you'll be amazed at what an impact such a small change can make. Now just imagine if we all did it.

7.) Save wear and tear on your car. Not only are you directly saving money on gas, but you're prolonging the life of your car.

8.) No more getting stuck in traffic. Forget traffic jams, they won't be a problem for you anymore. You'll fly by gridlock and you'll wonder to yourself how you ever survived being stuck in the great cattle herd of machines.

9.) Release your frustrations and tension. Feeling grumpy this morning? Have a bad day at work? Instead of eating all the stress, you can actually take it out on the pedals. If you don't mind looking a little crazy, you can even vocalize your feelings on your way home, and save your family from what you might've taken out on them. Let it out!

10.)No more spinning classes. Who needs to pay for spinning class at the gym when you are living like an athlete every day of your life? You won't need to mimic bike-riding on a stationary bike anymore, you'll be living it every day and every evening.