Doctor’s Senior Exercise & Health Newsletter

Healthfully Yours***

Bicycling For Health…

May is National Bike Month and what better time is there to write about the benefits of bike riding. Also May 16^th to May 20^th is designated as ride a bike to work week. Riding a bicycle to work results in numerous benefits. It not only can impact your health in positive ways, but will impact the environment in a positive way as well.

We all know what a hassle the commute to our jobs can be. Sitting in traffic, especially when it is stop and go, or just plain stop, can be one of the most frustrating experiences we can encounter. In the winter, the cold forces us to use the heater for warmth, and a window needs to be opened slightly to prevent dangers from carbon monoxide poisoning. In the summer, the air conditioning needs to be used to maintain some degree of comfort.

With either scenario, if the traffic jam is extended for a lengthy period of time, there is the possibility of the battery giving out and the windup is that you can have a car stalled in the midst of all this traffic. What a fun scenario that can be! Therefore, it makes sense that if your workplace were within a reasonable distance, the bicycle would be a great form of transportation.

Riding a bicycle, whether for pleasure, fitness or transportation certainly makes a great deal of sense. Before discussing the health benefits, we should certainly discuss the dangers involved. Wearing a helmet is of course a must. When riding a bicycle there is always the risk of a bicycle-motor vehicle accident collision. Bicycles are particularly vulnerable at intersections. The bicyclist must also be aware of a parked car opening the door as they are riding by in their path.

Bicyclists abruptly changing lanes are at great risk, especially if they are making an improper lane change. When the roadway is too narrow for a bicycle path, the bicyclist will generally ride on the sidewalk or the roadway with the motor vehicle traffic. This of course is a scenario for bicycle pedestrian or motor vehicle accidents. In many instances sidewalks have signs prohibiting riding bicycles, but they are often ignored and very seldom enforced. If the bicyclist is traveling on the sidewalk against the traffic flow, they are at greater risk when entering an intersection, as this poses a greater risk for an accident.

Further risks when bicycling on a sidewalk poses other risks as well. The bicyclist is at risk from many types of obstructions that they can encounter in their path. They of course include walking pedestrians, wheelchair users, roller skaters, skateboarders, joggers, parking meters, trees, shrubs, utility poles, hydrants, mailboxes, and signposts. Driveways should always raise a red flag for the bicyclist, as they should be particularly observant for cars driving in or backing out.

When bicycling on the roadway, traveling against the traffic generally places the bicyclist at a much greater risk, than traveling with the flow of traffic. Therefore, the bicyclist should always travel with the flow of traffic. They should always observe the following simple rules. When coming to an intersection the bicyclist must be very aware of the possibility that the car in front may suddenly decide to turn right without having signaled beforehand. The bicyclist should signal when they wish to make a turn, just as a car driver should. They of course must observe traffic signals as motorists do, and not try to sneak across a roadway when the signal is red for all traffic. They should not go around the barrier of a bridge or railroad crossing, even if the bridge has not yet been raised, or there is no train in sight.

A bicyclist following some basic rules and using a commonsense approach will have a more enjoyable experience when bicycling for pleasure or in commuting to their workplace. There are many benefits to be derived. Read below in health hints what these benefits are.

Health Hints***

1. Bicycle riding is a great exercise for the entire body and especially for the cardio-pulmonary system. It is a great way to reduce stress.
2. When used for doing your errands instead of just hoping into your car, it will save wear and tear on you car, reduce costs on the maintenance, save on the cost of gas, etc.
3. By improving your health and your immune system, you will have less chance of developing colds and other sicknesses.
4. By using your automobile less, you will be helping the environment, reducing the amount of pollution into the atmosphere and reduce noise pollution as well.
5. Commuting to work on your bicycle can possibly get you there faster. While traffic is backed up, you can possibly find a quicker route to bypass all the traffic.
6. Once you arrive at your workplace, you won’t have to worry about finding a place to park. In some instances there may be parking charges, and with a bicycle you can save money as well.
7. After being on the job all day, the ride home will help dispel the stresses of the day, and you will arrive home more energized, than fighting the traffic jams.

There are many more benefits in using your bicycle for your commute to work. It can prove to be a much more enjoyable experience than sitting in a hot or cold car swearing and fussing at the traffic delays. Much more information can be obtained by visiting the Bike League website at: www.bikeleague.org.

Doc Cane