Bicycles are more than just a form of transportation

Beck Elandt | Staff Writer

When you think of summer, you might imagine days at the lake, ice cream dripping down your hand, or long car rides. When I think of summer, I think of bicycles, my knees in the wind and a strong sense of freedom. 

Ever since I was a youngster, I remember pedaling faster and faster until I couldn’t–taking on sets of stairs and, especially, riding bicycles with friends. I remember racing to elementary and middle school, down sidewalks and shortcuts, trying to get my time as fast as possible. 

Despite the thrill, some of my best childhood memories are with my good friend, Josh, riding bicycles around Chelsea and getting a beverage at the local cafe. Sometimes, we would ride for miles, discovering new places and especially new perspectives, all while catching up and staying out of trouble.

When I started high school, this rhythm continued, but something was different now that I didn’t have to pedal as much. I owned a moped, but I still wanted to ride my bicycle, which didn’t make sense. The moped was faster, had lights and a throttle, so the excitement was easy. To bring myself closer to the source, I got my first job as a service technician for the local bike shop, Aberdeen Bike. 

Being surrounded by people who love bicycles, it became clear to me why these instruments are so special: simplicity. 

One of my favorite sayings is still framed on the sales counter at Aberdeen: “You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy a bike and that’s pretty close.” 

Kevin Sanchez, owner of the shop, used to break his bikes as a kid, fix them until they broke again and then repeat the process. 

To Sanchez, they’re machines that “get you out into the world,” loving bicycles for their “simple elegance.” He also likes them from a transportation angle because, on a bicycle, you can really soak up your surroundings, compared to driving a car.

The good vibes that come from cycling closely relate to the benefit of exercise.

According to an article by James Freed of Momentum magazine, “Cycling is a form of aerobic exercise that has been praised for its ability to increase serotonin levels in the body. This makes you feel happier while having the added benefit of increasing your physical health.”

Tim Petrie, a physical therapist, regards cycling as a low-impact exercise that is great for recovery and building strength, in his Very Well Health article.

This is to say that cycling can be a rhythmic, healthy, memorable activity; I don’t know where I’d be without a bicycle.

Comments

comments