First, cycling enables you to cover much more ground and see many more sights during a given period of time than other types of exercise. For example, an average runner may complete five miles in 45 minutes, but the same individual may cycle over 10 miles during this time period. The change in scenery alone tends to make the exercise session pass more quickly.

Second, because you cycle at a faster speed than you run or walk, there is a significant cooling effect from the greater air currents encountered when riding a bike. This is especially appreciated on hot and humid days when no breezes are blowing. While it is just as important to replenish fluids regularly, cycling is one of the most comfortable warm weather activities.

Third, riding a cycle is an ideal exercise for individuals who experience overuse injuries from the landing forces encountered when running, stepping or doing other weight bearing activities. Because the seat suppoorts your body weight, cycling provides an excellent workout for the leg muscles without producing repetitive impact on the feet, ankles, knees, hips and back. The body support function of cycling is also advantageous for overweight individuals whose size hinders their performance in ambulatory activities.

Fourth, when positioned properly on a bicycle, the consistent mid-range movement pattern of the legs is a relatively safe, simple and easy to perform exercise action. Although any activity can be overdone and cause overuse injuries, recreational cyclists typically have a low risk for these problems.

Fifth, for those who prefer a variety of physical activities, cycling is ideal for cross-training purposes. For example, walking and jogging emphasize the hamstring muscles in the rear thigh. Cycling, on the other hand, places more stress on the quadriceps muscles in the front thigh. Therefore, a combination program of running and cycling tends to enhance muscle balance and reduce the risk of imbalance injuries so common in single activity exercisers.

Sixth, cycles offer storage space for water containers, snacks, and windbreakers. Extra fluid and fuel are important considerations for longer exercise session, as is a place to store outer layers of clothing after your body temperature has increased.

Seventh, cycles are interesting to use due to the different gear ratios that can be selected for best traversing various terrains. Whether cycling on the roads or trails, it is challenging to choose the most effective gear ratio for every riding situation. Generally speaking, it is advisable to use the highest gear ratio that enables you to maintain your desired pedal cadence (such as 75 to 80 revolutions per minute).

Eighth, bicycles are an excellent investment, costing relatively little on a long term basis. For example, a $300.00 bicycle averages only $30.00 per year over a decade of use. Even with an annual tune-up and a couple tube replacements for flat tires, the yearly cost is on par with a good pair of running shoes. No doubt about it, bicycling is a bargain even with the additional cost of a helmet, which is absolutely essential and represents money well spent.

Ninth, cycling is an ideal activity to do with a friend or a small group of riders. This is partly because of the drafting benefit, by which all but the lead cyclist experience a pulling-along effect related to reduced wind resistance. By frequently changing lead cyclists, everyone enjoys an easier and faster ride than cycling solo.