Winter Bike Riding
Syed Tanvir Ahmad, Qa'id Health
Cycling is an excellent form of exercise that offers many health benefits. Some of the benefits of cycling are:
- Promotes weight loss
- Builds muscle
- Maintains better lung health
- Cuts heart disease and cancer risk
- Promotes better sleep
- Boosts your brain power
- Strengthens your immune system
Winter bike riding is great for endurance and keeps you active all year long. Here are a few things to keep in mind for cycling in winter:
- Be Prepared and Educate yourself about winter riding before you hit the road.
- Follow the Trail - In bike-friendly cities, trails are regularly plowed and kept clean.
- Layer Up and Dress Bright - Keeps you warm and safe from elements and distracted drivers. Gloves, socks and face masks are vital to keep you warm.
- Bike Lights - Use lights day or night.
- Ride in Group - Sign up with your local bike club or form one in your Majlis.
- Warm up, stretch and have a warm drink before the ride.
- Keep an emergency gear (see the picture below).
- Keep your bike clean and well lubricated. You need good tires but not necessarily a special winter bike.
Source: Oregon Department of Transportation
If you need more information, please contact Qa’id Health at qaid.health@ansarusa.org.
