Transportation is an issue that has plagued people since the times of the first civilizations; the question of how to get from one point to another with minimal effort, greatest haste, and maximum safety has led to advancements in technology in all its forms, from the conception of the wheel, to the construction of the modern-day airliner. Today, most transportation is done with high-speed machines that can carry heavy loads of people and luggage across routes that would have been deemed impossible a mere half-century ago.
Interestingly enough, one widely used transport vehicle has remained the same in basic design and concept, despite the march of modern-day machinery in the transportation industry: the bicycle.
Since the idea for two-wheeled transportation first arose in Germany in 1817, it seems that generation after generation that followed had stuck to the idea, gradually evolving it into the bicycle that riders know and love today. What is it that has allowed cycling to remain a recognized form of transportation despite the fact it is outclassed in terms of speed and power by almost every motorized vehicle in existence?
One of the first reasons to take up cycling as opposed to other forms of transport – such as driving for example – is the fact it is often more economical. Cars tend to break down, no matter how well their owners take care of them. They require gas to run, and that doesn’t come cheap either. Then, there’s the cost of motor oil, difficulty of cleaning; the list goes on. Bicycles however, are much easier to maintain. While they too break down, the parts needed for a bicycle to run are much cheaper in contrast to an automobile. They are far less bulky. Most importantly, they do not require any form of fuel to run.
Bicycles are also arguably the healthiest form of transportation available. It is well-known that riding bicycles greatly improves the body’s cardiovascular performance, giving riders generous reserves of stamina. Cyclists – particularly those who are into mountain biking – also develop solid muscles in their bodies, due to the long periods of gradual physical exertion. In addition to the aforementioned health benefits, research has also shown that the motions performed when cycling are much smoother than those performed when jogging or running. This means there is less unnecessary strain on the body, allowing for a longer and more efficient workout.
Finally, if a person cannot find a reason to ride a bike for business or health, there is always leisure. Cycling, like most physical exercises, triggers the brain to release endorphins into the bloodstream in much greater amounts than antidepressants can. Mountain bikers can find leisure in carefully navigating rough terrain. Track cyclists can find it in going at high speed on a smooth road, and feeling the wind in their faces. Regardless of the style of riding, cyclists often feel a sense of accomplishment upon completing a course.
Cycling isn’t as hard as it looks. Like everything, it does require that the rider get a feel of what he/she is doing before it becomes second nature, but once a person has found a reason to get on a bike, it only takes a little bit of practice before the cyclist is able to take the machine where he/she pleases.
True, bicycles are not often viewed as a primary means of transportation. However, the fact remains that they have survived over two centuries of rapidly evolving technology, and have remained popular among cyclists worldwide. There are several roots behind this; economy, fitness, and leisure are just the most widespread of reasons for people to get on a bike and start cycling, but there are many more personal motivations. If all that is needed to join the flow is the motivation, then there really is no shortage of that.