Riding a bicycle to work is the best idea on Earth. Here’s why:
• It beats the traffic. It usually takes me only 15-20 minutes to cover the 10 kilometers to work. Even in heavy traffic, I add only five minutes or so, making it a supremely reliable form of transport on a daily basis. Plus, passing hundreds of vehicles that are miserably stuck in traffic is just priceless.
• It makes you independent of public transport. Each person that goes to work using a bicycle means there’s one less car on the metro’s congested streets, one less person to contend with in squeezing into a packed jeep, bus, FX, tricycle, or train.
• It’s wallet-friendly. No vehicle registration required (or a license, for that matter), no parking fees, minimal maintenance expenses (usually just chain lubricant), no need to pay any fare (and no stress over the driver/conductor charging the wrong fare and/or not giving the correct change).
• Actually, it doesn’t cost a peso! Bicycles are propelled by pure human-powered locomotion. No fossil fuel required. And that means:
• It’s completely environment-friendly! No emissions: no harmful pollution, no smoke, no noise, only pure awesomeness!
• It’s exercise—the perfect way to stay fit. Many people say lack of time is the main reason they can’t go to the gym or get some exercise. Commuting to work and back (or to anywhere) means that the time you used to waste while stuck in traffic will be turned into a productive, fat-burning activity. And the best part is, it’s really, really fun.
The only expense that has increased (ever so slightly) since I started cycling is for food. But then, riding a bicycle to work on a daily basis means:
• No dieting required! Sick and tired of sticking to a diet? Depriving yourself of food that you want to eat? Cycling to work daily means that your body actually makes use of the food that you eat; hence, all you end up with is lesser fat and a leaner physique. It also does wonders for your appetite. And instead of your money going to gas and/or transport expenses, buying yourself good food is so much more rewarding!
• It’s habit-forming. It really helps you get a good night’s sleep and normalizes your sleep cycle. Since I started cycling to work, I’ve had no trouble getting up in the morning. In fact, I haven’t been late for work in over seven months.
• It makes you happy. Exercise naturally releases endorphins, the body’s “happy hormones.” That means you start the day in a happy and energetic mood which continues throughout the day. And riding a bicycle is a proven stress releaser, too.
• It’s relatively safe and easy. Statistically speaking, cyclists encounter the least number of accidents compared to drivers of other vehicles like cars and motorcycles. Also, the metro is slowly developing more and more bicycle lanes on major roads. Some cities—Marikina is a prime example—encourage people to ride their bicycles through an expansive route. Parking isn’t an issue as well.
Think that riding a bicycle is too strenuous for you? Nonsense! The general rule is if you can walk one km, you can bike five! The best part is that it’s a low-impact activity, which means your joints are not stressed.
As in any other activity, riding a bicycle is only as risky as you make it. Sure, accidents happen, although very rarely, but injury can be avoided by having reflectors and lights on when it’s dark, wearing the proper safety equipment like a helmet, and observing proper road discipline.
Cycling may not be for everyone, and it does take some effort at first. But what do you end up with? Better health, better finances, and a better quality of life.
Kevin Manuel, 25, is a financial associate and outdoor enthusiast.