Five reasons why you should ride your bike more often in winter
When the temperatures fall and there is a risk of snow or ice, lots of cyclists switch either to their cars or public transport. However, our bodies really benefit from activity and the fresh air in the colder and darker months of the year. After all, these boost both the body's immune system and natural defences and also prevent colds and a lack of vitamin D. But there are also a number of other reasons why we should keep riding our bikes in winter.
Cycling in the snow and ice? It doesn't exactly sound appealing at first. But with the right equipment, cycling in winter can actually be fun. The right clothing which protects against the cold and rain are all-important. In addition to a hat which fits under the helmet and gloves, this also includes breathable functional underwear, a lined rain jacket, trousers and warm, all-weather shoes. Your bike also needs to be winter-proof. Thicker tyres with a good tread prevent you from slipping on icy roads. Electrical lighting, reflectors and hub dynamos all ensure that cyclists can be seen by other road users. Once you are fully equipped, all you need are a few compelling arguments to keep you motivated:
Cycling in winter - five compelling arguments:
- The immune system is challenged and strengthened
The cold outdoors and the warm indoors - switching between often extreme temperatures is a challenge for the immune system. Just like during a trip to the sauna, the cardiovascular system has to adapt to the different conditions. This is essentially a workout for the entire body: The blood vessels and lymph channels dilate and contract. This strengthens the vascular walls and the bodily fluids flow faster. As a result, they transport harmful substances away more easily. Moreover, immunoglobin levels increase as the organism produces more antibodies. - Cycling helps to prevent seasonal affective disorder
Even regular short spells of activity help to improve health and fitness. This applies not only to your physical but also your mental well-being. In fact, studies have shown that sport and exercise not only prevent cardiovascular diseases and joint and back problems, but can also actively reduce the risk of depression. Seasonal depression in particular is usually experienced in the autumn and winter. Exercise and light therapy have been proven to have a positive effect on the associated symptoms. Cycling combines both of these: The body secretes more happy hormones, such as dopamine and serotonin, and general well-being is enhanced. - Prevents vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D has an impact on our psyche. It is also an important component in the formation of bones and muscles. The "sunshine vitamin" protects the nerve cells in the brain, serves to reduce blood pressure and boosts the immune system. Given that the body produces 90 per cent of this vitamin itself by absorbing and converting UV-B rays from the sun, cycling in winter can help optimise the vitamin D supply. Although thick winter clothing means that less UV radiation is absorbed through the skin, it can still penetrate into the body via the face and the retina of the eyes. Cyclists who ride in daylight thereby regularly replenish their vitamin D depots. - Stopping colds in their tracks!
Especially in autumn and winter, public transport, including buses and trains, are a breeding ground for cold viruses. Cyclists are not exposed to these viruses in these crowded means of transport and thus their risk of infection is reduced. Another reason to cycle in winter: The air from heating systems causes the mucous membranes to dry out. This, in turn, encourages bacteria to build up. The switch from hot to cold and the physical effort involved in cycling strengthens the membranes in the mouth and nose, moisten them again and boost blood circulation. It is also important to drink lots since the body loses a lot of moisture through breathing. If this is not replenished, the mucous membranes cannot be sufficiently moistened and pathogens have an easy time of it. - You're quicker by bike
Studies have shown that the quickest way to cover distances less than five kilometres is by bike. At an average, comfortable speed of 15.3 km/h, it takes between five and 23 minutes to cover a distance of half to four and a half kilometres. Cyclists are not even that much slower in winter since official bike paths have to be cleared regularly by the authorities. In contrast, the same distance takes between 12 and 25 minutes by car. Cars are only the speedier option as of a distance of five kilometres.
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Your benefits:
- You can easily integrate more exercise into your day-to-day life
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Jogging, cycling or both. Collect points to boost your fitness with TK-Fit - our fitness programme in the TK-App.
