Top Five Reasons to Get on Your Bike
Some of us within the Franc.World team are lucky enough to live at the beach (I know, I know!) That means bike riding is a way of life. Teenage boys cycle along, fishing rod under one arm on their way to the river, groups of kids cycle to the shops for gelato and families ride together all the time – often one parent will have a speaker attached to their bike so they can all ride to music.
Most Australian cities have really good bike paths and bikes are pretty affordable (if not 99 Bikes, try Kmart, if not, Gumtree and Facebook marketplace are amazing).
Sneaky Exercise. The Australian Guidelines for Health recommend each Australian tween receive 60 minutes of exercise per day – why not suggest a weekend bike ride to get moving?
Environmentally Awesome. Without getting to far into greenhouse gas emissions, this one is pretty simple, no petrol = super low carbon footprint. Bicycle riding uses minimal fossil fuels and is a pollution-free mode of transport.
Fast and Fun. Seriously, that feeling of gliding down a hill, wind in your (helmeted) hair, scenery whizzing past. It’s fast, free fun.
Conversation. Riding with another person means you can talk freely. No one is going to be able to listen in! So whether you talk to your mum on the way home from school, a friend or your brother, enjoy the serenity and the conviviality (which here means being friendly and lively; friendliness).
Responsibility. Think of it as your next step into becoming an adult. First comes the bike (and the road rules, helmet wearing and bike cleaning). Second comes the car (and the road rules, seatbelt wearing and car detailing…oh and the licence, petrol, registration, insurance, parking etc etc 😊)