PITTSBURG, Kan. — There is something to be said about the peacefulness and tranquility of riding your bicycle. Stepping away from the tablet or television, grabbing a helmet and hitting the sidewalks/roads brings with it a whole host of benefits.

Growing up in a little town, it was no problem to hop on the bicycle on a warm summer day, stopping by the gas station to grab a cheap fountain drink, meeting up with friends, taking a trip to the grandparents’ to grab a bite to eat, or riding down to the pool to cool off.

Not only are there social benefits to biking, but a bevy of physical and physical benefits, as well.

David Bradbury, director of marketing for Crawford County Mental Health Center, marked World Bicycle Day with a Facebook video in which he urged residents to take a break from inside activities to go outside and experience the advantages of cycling.

“According to research, just 20 minutes outside can help lower stress and improve your mood,” said Bradbury in the Facebook post. “Getting outside and being active, riding a bike, taking a walk, enjoying fresh air can have a positive impact on both your physical and mental health. So if you get the chance today, take a step outside, enjoy the sunshine, and get moving.”

Almost any time of the year can be a good time to experience the benefits of biking. Additional physical benefits include increased cardiovascular fitness, increased muscle strength, improved joint mobility, enhanced posture, strengthened bones, and decreased body fat levels.

Mental health benefits include an improved mood, improved concentration, improved creativity, self-esteem enhancement, and just overall increased enjoyment as well as a sense of well-being.

And, of course, gas is expensive. Choosing a bike instead of a vehicle can be one of the most effective ways to lower personal carbon emissions, improving air quality, and reducing noise pollution.

So hop on a bike, make sure to wear a helmet, always be visible, ride predictably, and scan the roads. Stay safe and hydrated out there. Godspeed.

This reporting is made possible, in part, by the Support Local Journalism Project Fund. Learn more at: southeastkansas.org/Localnews.