Cycling: A journey to a healthy world

Bicycles are one of the greenest options for transportation. It emits only 16 to 50 grams of carbon per kilometer – far less than a motorcycle, petrol car or electric vehicle.

जेष्ठ १९, २०८२

डा. पवनकुमार शर्मा

Cycling: A journey to a healthy world

Starting from a simple invention with a wooden frame in 1817, the bicycle has evolved into today's modern and high-performance model. As the world grapples with urban congestion, climate change and growing health problems, the bicycle is being repositioned not just as a means of transportation, but as a symbol of sustainability, health and creativity.

The story of the bicycle begins with German inventor Baron Carl von Dries, who unveiled a simple pedalless wooden machine called the 'Drysin' - paving the way for one of the most enduring and versatile forms of transportation. With the passage of time, bicycles today come in various forms and types – road bikes for fast speeds, mountain bikes for rugged trails, hybrids for mixed terrain and folding bikes for city commuters. For this additional support, there are e-bikes, while BMX, cargo, touring and tandem bicycles are fulfilling their own needs. 

But modern bicycles are not only used to reach destinations, but are deeply rooted in the structure of daily life. Whether for commuting to the office or leisure, for sports or fitness - bicycles offer an attractive and useful alternative to polluting, inefficient and expensive vehicles. The bicycle has also made its own place in the fields of legal entities, courier services and performing arts. 

Cycling is an easy and joint-friendly physical activity that offers many health benefits. An hour of normal cycling can burn about three hundred calories, which helps in weight control . However, the benefits of cycling are not limited to just burning calories. It strengthens lower limb muscles, improves balance and coordination, improves sleep quality and has a positive effect on mental health – especially through the release of endorphins (happy hormones). For elderly people, the habit of cycling has been found to be more useful in improving memory and maintaining balance. 

Science has also shown that cycling is very effective in preventing various diseases. It keeps the amount of cholesterol in the blood under control - increases HDL ie good cholesterol and lowers LDL (bad) . It reduces the risk of 13 types of cancer including breast, uterus, and lung. It is equally beneficial for heart health. According to a long-term study of 45,000 adults in Denmark, regular cyclists had a 15 percent lower risk of heart attack. Similarly, if a person with type-2 diabetes continues cycling for five years, the mortality rate has been shown to decrease by 35 percent. 

Cycling is also beneficial for lung health. Based on studies from other countries, even in a polluted city like ours, cycling is beneficial for people with asthma or COPD. Because such chronic illnesses reduce the risk of being separated from their daily activities due to illness and increase functionality, cyclists are more likely to live healthier, more active and longer lives than people with otherwise inactive lifestyles. 

Bicycles are one of the greenest options for transportation. It emits only 16 to 50 grams of carbon per kilometer – far less than a motorcycle, petrol car or electric vehicle. As it does not use fuel and does not cause noise pollution, bicycles help in reducing air and noise pollution. 

Cycles also reduce pressure on city infrastructure . It also reduces traffic congestion and makes more efficient use of space, especially in congested areas. 10 bicycles can fit in the space it takes to park one car, freeing up valuable urban land. Speed ​​isn't low either—in most cases, cyclists can travel faster than cars or buses stuck in traffic. 

Cycling is considered much safer than riding a motorcycle or a car. Studies have shown that cycling is 34 times safer than riding a motorcycle. Furthermore, bicycle-friendly urban planning not only has a positive impact on safety, but also on the local economy. Businesses along bike lanes have experienced up to 50 percent more sales, as people enjoy walking, walking and visiting local shops along these streets. 

Despite some concerns about the risk of pollution, cyclists who breathe the open air -- who travel away from vehicle fumes -- inhale less harmful particles than passengers in closed vehicles (such as buses). A study by the University of Cambridge has concluded that the health benefits of cycling far outweigh the pollution risks posed to users of other vehicles. 

Like other modes of transportation, cycling also has some limitations. Bad roads, lack of adequate road signs, long distances, bad weather, limited carrying capacity and risk of theft can discourage people from cycling . However, such challenges can be managed by investing in infrastructure to reduce them. Similarly, cycle lanes, safe parking, shower facilities at the workplace and personal measures such as clothing according to the weather or electric assist (electric-assist) can be adopted as alternatives. 

The most important thing is responsible behavior for safe cycling: obeying traffic rules, wearing visible clothing, regular bicycle maintenance and careful riding. 

As environmental crises and public health challenges define our age, bicycles are no longer just a memory of the past, but an inevitable part of the future . Whether it's a child's first bike ride or a daily commute through Kathmandu, every pedal is moving us forward towards a cleaner, healthier and more connected world. The decision to cycle may be one of the most intelligent decisions we can make . 

डा. पवनकुमार शर्मा पाटन स्वास्थ्य विज्ञान प्रतिष्ठानका रेक्टर रहेका शर्मा साइकल अभियन्ता हुन् ।

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