6 Reasons to Travel by Bicycle

I love to travel by bicycle! Whether I plan to cycle to another city or just want to get out for a few minutes, my bike will always be there waiting for me. If there is reasonable opportunity to hop on a bike abroad, I will. One of my biggest travel idols is Josie Dew, who writes travelogues about her cycling adventures around the world. Growing up in the Netherlands may have been a “minor” factor, but I’m convinced there is a great amount of advantages to travelling by two-wheeler. I’ve listed 6 reasons below:

1. First of all, cycling stimulates the senses. Now, I didn’t mean for that to sound all spiritual and zen (although that’s cool too). I just mean that cycling let’s you smell the trees and hear the birds around you a lot better than if you were driving your car. I think that’s a huge plus in terms of consciously enjoying your free time.
2. Closely related to my first reason is how I like that cycling lets you experience the distance you travel. It really changes the travelling process in comparison to cars or airplanes. Similar to walking, it’s always you yourself that is doing all the work; you are physically covering the distance and reaching the next destination using your own strength. Of course, cycling  to a faraway country won’t always be an option, but it is a worthwhile experience.
3. Cycling will obviously help you stay healthy. I’m not talking about taking up cycling as a way of sculpting your abs (that’s not gonna work), but cycling is a lot healthier than sitting in your car seat. Going on a daily 50 km bike ride is, of course, a different story than a trip to the supermarket, but, either way, it’s good for you!
4. You can load more luggage on your bike than if you were to simply backpack. Naturally, a car will fit more in its trunk, but a bike also gives you a little bit more room for some essential baggage.
5. Freedom! Except for highways, you’re pretty much free to go anywhere you want. You won’t have to bother with traffic jams in the city centres and you can change your route at any time . You only need to know how to fix a flat tire and you’re ready to go. Of course, there are certain risks and dangers involved, as with any form of transport, but freedom and flexibility is a major advantage of cycling.
6. Finally, cycling is a great way to limit your carbon footprint. Cycling is about as clean as it gets, you don’t have to worry about polluting the environment with stinky exhaust fumes. Another little perk: It will save you a lot of gas money!

Obviously, there is a time and place for everything (like Professor Oak used to say in Pokémon), but I hope I’ve somehow encouraged you to hop on your bike once in a while. It’s a great way to explore nature and cities alike!

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