Introduction

Cycling, also called bicycling or biking, is the use

of bicycles for transport, recreation, exercise or sport.[1] People engaged in cycling are referred to
as "cyclists",[2] "bikers",[3] or less commonly, as "bicyclists".[4] Apart from two-wheeled bicycles,
"cycling" also includes the riding of unicycles, tricycles, quadracycles, recumbent and
similar human-powered vehicles (HPVs).
Bicycles were introduced in the 19th century and now number approximately one billion
worldwide.[5] They are the principal means of transportation in many parts of the world.
Cycling is widely regarded as a very effective and efficient mode of transportation [6][7] optimal for
short to moderate distances.
Bicycles provide numerous benefits in comparison with motor vehicles, including the sustained
physical exercise involved in cycling, easier parking, increased maneuverability
and access to roads, bike paths and rural trails. Cycling also offers a reduced consumption
of fossil fuels, less air or noise pollution, and much reduced traffic congestion. These lead to less
financial cost to the user as well as to society at large (negligible damage to roads, less road area
required).[8] By fitting bicycle racks on the front of buses, transit agencies can significantly
increase the areas they can serve.
History

The early history of cycling was marked with very quick technological jumps that enabled larger and larger
group of people to achieve not only better comfort and safety, but also lowering of costs as the bicycles
became more and more commoditized.
Benefits of cycling:

1) Cycling improves mental well-being

There are so many ways that exercise can boost your mood: there’s the basic release of adrenalin and endorphins,
and the improved confidence that comes from achieving new things (such as completing a sportive or getting
closer to that goal).
Cycling combines physical exercise with being outdoors and exploring new views. You can ride solo – giving you
time to process worries or concerns, or you can ride with a group which broadens your social circle.
2.Cycling promotes weight loss
The simple equation, when it comes to weight loss, is ‘calories out must exceed calories in’. So you need to burn
more calories than you consume to lose weight. there are other factors: the make-up of the calories you consume
affects the frequency of your refuelling, as does the quality of your sleep and of course the amount of time you spend
burning calories will be influenced by how much you enjoy your chosen activity.
Assuming you enjoy cycling, you’ll be burning calories. And if you eat well, you should lose weight.

3. Cycling builds muscle

The resistance element of cycling means that it doesn’t just burn fat: it also builds muscle – particularly
around the glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves. Muscle is leaner than fat, and people with a higher
percentage of muscle burn more calories even when sedentary.
5. Better lung health
But a recent study suggests that people who ride a bike are actually exposed to fewer dangerous fumes than those
who travel by car.
A study by the Healthy Air Campaign, Kings College London, and Camden Council, saw air pollution detectors fitted
to a driver, a bus user, a pedestrian and a cyclist using a busy route through central London.
The results showed that the driver experienced five times higher pollution levels than the cyclist.

8. Cycling saves time

Short journeys contribute massively to global pollution levels, and often involve a fair amount of stationary staring at
the bumper in front. Get on the bike, and you’ll save on petrol or cash on public transport, as well as time
Advantages of joining a cycling club

Wealth of knowledge
I found some great people in the cycling club and the knowledge I gained was invaluable. By joing the cycling club
you get advice From clothing to bikes, to skills like using clipless pedals for the first time and riding through-and-off, speak to
your new clubmates and they’ll likely be able to help you ride better and learn as you go.

Found new routes

By cycling with other people we found new routes in our city and found new adventurous places in our locality which we
didn’t know about.

And by Knowing the lanes, climbs, shortcuts and where the best cafes are will make every ride more enjoyable and
ensure you’re either never further from home than you planned nor back on your own doorstep much sooner than you
wanted.

Get into racing

When I had enough practice and training I participated in races and was a wonderful experience when my teammate
won the race I was very happy for him and satisfied as winning for myself.

Teamwork
Teamwork on long rides is a bonus. I didn’t know much about single or double pace lines years ago. I
knew the basics from watching the Tour de France but had not mastered the ins and outs until I joined a
club.