9 Reasons You Should Try Biking To Work

It's almost summer time and May is bike to work month, so maybe it's time we talk about the benefits of biking instead of driving! Sure, we're pretty tree focused here: we plant 10 trees for each item purchased! But we love encouraging new ways to be kinder to the Earth.

Here's why you should bike to work:

1. It's actually safer.

A study conducted in 2008 at the University of New South Whales found that biking to work is actually safer than driving. The number of collisions between drivers and bikes decreases as more people get on their bikes. Drivers also tend to be more cautious around cyclists for the most part.

2. You feel free.

There is something absolutely liberating about riding your bike instead of driving. In a car, you can kind of feel stuck. But on a bike, with the wind blowing through your hair, it almost reminds you of being a kid. There's something just so freeing about it.

3. It's more convenient.

I know what you're thinking, "isn't driving easier?" Maybe. But does that make it more convenient? With a bike, there's no parking, less time stuck in traffic, and you don't have to spend money on gas. That's awesome!

4. You get some fresh air.

And it's not just for you too. By biking, you're putting less pollution into the air, making the city a nicer place for everyone. The average car puts out about a pound of carbon dioxide for every mile you drive it. The average bike? 0. Although bike production does have a carbon footprint, it is eventually offset by riding it.

5. You save money

That's right. Moolah. Biking to work saves you big bucks. A study of motorists in Portland found that residents will save between $300 and $500 a year by biking instead of driving. Not bad!

6. Biking makes you happier.

Have you ridden a bike recently? You can probably attest to this fact if so. Have you been stuck in traffic recently? Yeah. The difference is pretty stark. And exercise is good for you too. It can actually reduce stress and anxiety, two things you get from driving a car for sure.

7. It sharpens your mind.

Exercise makes you smarter. If you do it daily, it can improve your memory, your ability to retain information, prevent cognitive decline, and improve the overall health of your brain. Biking to work is smart!

8. You get free exercise.

Why pay for a gym membership for after work when you can get free exercise to and from? Biking is an awesome exercise because it's low impact, easier on your joints, and more accessible to commuters of all ages.

9. It's just fun.

And who needs a better excuse than that?