One look at the modern roads say it all. Inevitable traffic jams, smoke, noise, and air pollution are adamant, not to mention accidents left and right.

Cars take thousands of lives each day worldwide in automobile accidents. Some are results of driving under the influence of drugs or alcoholic beverages, while some are just too tired to be on the road. Instead of heading off to a place for some rest, the drivers will continue driving, so they are most likely prone to accidents.

Automobiles are also harmful to the environment. Cars leak liquids, and owners drive off without wiping the stain, leaving it for wildlife to taste. How many animals fall prey to these vehicles and become road kills in an instant?

Humanists, environmentalists, and animal lovers alike now have the solution for all the death, pollution, and killings. The answer comes with two wheels - bikes and how they can save your life.

Why You Should Start Using Bikes

No pollution is involved with cycling. It does not emit smoke, leak liquids, and is very quiet. Bikers also contribute to saving a space in a crowded parking lot as more than a dozen bicycles can fit in one slot of a car.

For pet lovers, you can tie your pet's leash on your handlebar and pedal to an easy pace so that your furry friend can run beside you. It cuts out the work for you.

For your pockets, cycling can help you save more money. No insurance has to be paid annually, and no license is required. No fuel bills either as your bike will run to the speed of your pedaling. The maintenance costs about a quarter of what you spend on cars per annum, and a bicycle, once well taken care of, can last for years, if not decades.

In a crowded mall for instance, your bicycle can be parked anywhere. You don't have to roam the parking area for agonizing minutes after minutes with the stress building up. You can just park it on one corner, secure it with your lock, and leave it to be ready for you until you're done shopping.

How Your Health will Benefit from Using Bikes

According to a reliable source, a cyclist's fitness level is equal to his health ten years ago. It can make you feel younger as you are still well in control of your limbs by the exercise, giving you power and building your stamina.

Irked by the way motorcycles pass by your car in the midst of a traffic jam during the rush hour? It can give you that same sense of power. Now, you can weave in and out of traffic, so you'll reach your destination faster.

It also reduces the risk of heart disease as your heart is healthy and receives proper exercise. In addition, it builds up your muscle legs to give you more power and strength. If you're a soccer player, then at least now you've got that strong kick you've always wanted.

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Cycle equipment

The longest portion of any triathlon event is the bike leg. This is also the most technologically complicated area of equipment purchase. Money can easily be wasted and expensive equipment can become obsolete if you are not knowledgeable.

Know your bike type

Bicycles come in a huge variety of shapes, sizes and areas of best use. The storage compound for bikes at a race (the transition area) can be filled with mountain bikes, hybrids, racing bikes and specific tri-bikes. All allow you to get from T1 (the swim-to-bike transition) to T2 (the bike-to-run transition).

Frame size

When choosing a bike, it is vital to get the right size frame as, unlike many components, such as the three contact points (the handlebars, saddle and pedals), it can't be changed. Sizing your ideal frame size is best done by a bike shop or tri store. You can ask advice and the helpful staff will often pass on some useful tips and tricks, so try to develop a good relationship with them.

The bike frame size that is easiest to measure starts from the centre of the bottom bracket, up the seat tube, to a point where the middle of the top tube intersects - known as centre-to-middle. Manufacturers, mechanics and athletes all vary in how they measure frame size, but, as a ball-park figure, take your inside leg measurement and then multiply by 0.67. For example, 91cm x 0.67 = 60.97 or a 61cm frame.

The exact seat height can be varied by moving the seat post up and down. Similarly, change the distance of the handlebars by changing the stem length. Start with the right frame size and you will be more comfortable, safer and more likely to enjoy your time in the saddle. Correct set up is vital and is well worth the investment in time and money. The bike needs to put you in the right position; don't contort yourself to fit the bike. As bike speeds are higher than running, heat loss is greater and impacts with the ground harder, so it pays to buy a pair of cycling shorts, a cycle jersey and gloves. Longer or thicker 'longs' are needed if you intend to ride outdoors in winter.

Top Tip
Equipment that saves you time removes those wasted sessions and kit failures. Well-fitting goggles, quality tyres and inner tubes plus well-kept comfortable running shoes should be your top kit purchases.

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With an increased awareness in global issues and the rising costs of fuel, many are turning towards cycling as a main source of transportation. Particularly in cities where individuals are only a short distance away from their place of work and sources of entertainment, bicycles offer a relatively cheap and environmentally friendly way to travel. Winter brings challenges to cyclists, but with bit of knowledge and awareness, riders are able to ride their bikes year round.

1. Stay Warm to Stay Riding

One of the main reasons that an individual might choose a motor vehicle over a bicycle in the winter is climate control. Frigid temperatures can make cycling seem unbearable. However, with the correct gear, a person can remain quite comfortable in some of the coldest weather conditions. Ski goggles are a great way to protect the eyes from extreme conditions. Tight fitting knit and fleece caps coupled with a helmet will allow the head to maintain most of its warmth.

The proper footwear is important as well, as regular cycling shoes do not provide the needed warmth in very cold conditions. Instead, regular snow boots are a good alternative.

Another great tip is to keep body parts as close together as possible. For this reason, mittens are a good replacement for gloves as it allows the fingers to stay in close contact allowing the hands to stay warmer. Whatever apparel is chosen, a rider should be sure that he or she is comfortable and can make good contact with handles and pedals.

2. Good Tires Are a Must

Another factor to take into consideration when cycling in winter is tires. A good rule to remember is that the wider the tire, the better the traction. More tire allows more contact with the ground. A cyclist can purchase studs or chains of their tires, but this will make riding on pavement much rougher. However, chains will greatly improve traction on ice or snow. Some riders find that lowering the pressure in the tires will allow for more traction when riding in poor cycling conditions.

3. Be Seen in the Dwindling Light

With winter comes a decrease in the amount of daylight, often times resulting in an increase in the amount of time a cyclist will have to ride in the dark. For this reason, it is very important for any rider to inspect his or her bicycle and make sure that the reflectors are clean and visible. Additionally, lights should be installed on both the front and the back of the bicycle. Drivers are more likely to be distracted in the winter and visibility could be reduced, so a rider can never be too safe. Lights and reflectors are the best protection in the dark of winter.

4. Practice Proper Bike Maintenance to Stay Safe

Keeping a bicycle clean and well lubricated is important in regard to winter riding. Fenders and mud flaps can protect both rider and bicycle from dirty, slushy, and salty roads. While any grease will be suitable for a bicycle, some might find benefits in using a grease designed for low temperatures. While a bicycle does not have to be winterized for the cold weather in the same way that an automobile does, it is a great idea to re-grease the bearings in the fall in order to prepare for the extra dirt and grime of winter riding.

5. Keep It Steady

Finally, it is important that a cyclist maintain their ability to control a bicycle in winter. A cyclist should remember to pedal their bicycle smoothly and avoid in quick jerking motions. As a general rule, slow and steady will be better in the winter than speeding up and slowing down. If a cyclist does find that they are sliding, they should try to correct with small movements and avoid any major swerving. Much like in a vehicle, over-correcting could easily lead to a crash.Generally, snow will require more effort to pedal through, but will allow for better traction than ice.

Winter is a time in which temperatures drop and weather often deteriorates. However, this does not have to deter a person from choosing to cycle during the cold weather. Whether it be bitterly cold temperatures or a barrage of winter precipitation, following these cold-weather riding tips can allow a rider to enjoy the perks of cycling throughout the cold weather months.

Darla Blackmon writes for EverythingLongBeach.com, a website for the Long Beach community that covers news, arts, entertainment and health. Riders on Long Beach bikes rarely have to worry about cold weather. But, she's prepared just in case.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/5-top-winter-tips-to-help-bicycle-riders-get-through-the-cold-1696100.html

There are a number of reasons why cycling is one of the most popular ways to get into shape. You can see the local stores, parks and scenery, as well as get out and enjoy the fresh air. You can divert your mind so that you do not even feel that you are getting tired doing an exercise. At the gym you will see that TV’s are often put in front of cycling machines for diversion purposes.

You may burn off your additional calories by using a cycle. If you work out for about an hour and are putting a steady strong effort into your cycling you might expect to burn around 400-500 calories. Your calves, hamstrings and quadriceps receive a workout when you do this exercise. Because these muscles are larger they will need more energy and enable you to possibly burn more fat and lose more weight. You could also be able to develop the muscles on your legs and hips so that you will achieve a great looking body.

The muscles that protect your pelvis and spine also usually benefit from this form of exercise. The risk of injury to your lower back can be greatly reduced when you strengthen these muscles. Lifting and carrying things might even become easier and your posture could improve.

Cycling may also be good for your heart. The cardiovascular system’s health is increased when you exercise enough to raise your heart level to its maximum capacity for a longer period. When you walk, jog or run vigorously, you can also achieve this goal but it often places more strain on the hips, knees, ankles and feet. If you wish to introduce this form of exercise into your workout schedule, you may consider using a heart rate monitor. One of these devices will help you to understand your MHR (maximum heart rate) and get the most out of your exercises.  

Changing the difficulty levels is also worth considering when cycling. This will enable you to get a change of scenery and also give additional work to your heart and muscles. Different trails with more hills and forested paths could be a good choice for this. No matter what you select it is good to consider different challenges and above all have fun.

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It’s plain and simple: cycling is good for you. It not only helps you individually, but has positive effects on society as well. It is a good habit to inculcate to live a healthy and longer life. Riding a bike is making a statement about who you are and what’s important to you.

Cycling increases fitness and overall well being; let’s find out how.
• Cycling requires full lower body and upper body strength. It builds your stamina and endurance.
• Safety is another important aspect of any workout. You need to choose activities that are good for your body. Out of all the other cardio vascular activities, cycling is the safest, as it offers good support while working out.
• It is not as strenuous as running on a treadmill or working out on an elliptical machine. If you cycle, you will not be prone to muscle soreness and joint pains. Spinning classes have become a new sensation in gymnasiums all over the world.
• Cycling is good for the heart. It makes the heart stronger and lowers the resting pulse.
• If you need to lose weight, it doesn’t get better than cycling. You work every inch of your body. Cycling increases your metabolic rate and helps burn fat. Cycling is great way of breaking someone into a new exercise programme.
• Cycling can turn you into a mini explorer and encourage you to take some time out. All you need is your bike, proper cycling clothing and a spirit to move out and explore familiar streets and routes. This will help you with stress management and just make you feel good about everything around you.
• With everyone trying to go green, consider cycling to help Mother Nature. Cycling short distances will reduce pollution and also lessen traffic congestion. In fact, many countries all over the world are promoting short distance biking. Cycling short distance will help you save money on commuting and fuel.
• There are many cycling clubs in cities all over the world. This is a great way to workout, help the environment and make new friends. Join a bike club and be part of all the fun!
If you are considering biking, then you require proper cycling apparel. The right cycling clothing and accessories are very important for a safe and comfortable ride. You can find the cycling apparel you need at the website www.fusionsportsuk.co.uk of Fusion Sport, UK.

Joseph Magliaro is a Sports & Fitness Consultant working in the industry for 15 years. He has authored a book and owns a Sports Clothing and Equipment store. He is a blogger and loves to travel.

www.fusionsportsuk.co.uk

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