Calling All Commuters: Bike Your Way to Better Health

Bike your way to better health.

Another afternoon stuck in traffic or one more morning filling up the tank (and feeding the meter), and you’re ready to call it quits. Give yourself the walking papers: Become an active commuter, a person who walks or bikes to work. These trailblazers show fewer risk factors for heart disease, such as healthier triglyceride and blood pressure levels, and are more fit than other commuters. And if you’re looking to lose a little of that winter weight gain, a recent study in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that active commuters had lower odds of being overweight.

While a person can walk safely practically anywhere, cycling requires more attention to equipment and safety. Before you ride off — especially if you’re just beginning or haven’t ridden in a while — here are tips and techniques to follow:

  • Cycle Smart
    The same rules for cars apply to bikes. Stay on streets — in bike lanes where provided — and always cycle with traffic, not against it. Use your left arm as a turn signal. For left turns, hold your arm out straight. To signal a right turn, bend your elbow so that your arm makes an “L” shape. Yield to pedestrians, and never ride while wearing headphones.
  • Go With the Glow
    Maximize your visibility with neon, fluorescent or reflective clothing. Use sunglasses to protect your eyes, and wear padded gloves and bike shorts.
  • Mind Your Head
    Helmets are proven to be 85 to 88 percent effective in preventing or lessening brain injuries. They should be snug but comfortable, and meet U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. Look for a CPSC label inside the helmet to be sure.
  • Ride the Right Way
    With one foot on the pedal, adjust the bike seat to ensure your knee remains slightly bent when you extend your leg. Maintain your tires at the recommended pressure, inspect the brakes regularly, and be sure quick-release wheels are secured. Read the owner’s manual to acquaint yourself with your bike.

Get more facts on bike safety, law and equipment at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website, www.nhtsa.gov, or your state’s traffic safety website.

While we hope you find this website helpful, please remember that Sharp HealthCare does not control or endorse the information found on this site, nor does this website endorse the information found on www.sharp.com.

For More Information
To learn more about Sharp's health and wellness services or to find a Sharp-affiliated physician, search for San Diego doctors or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. To find health general information, read the General Health News archive.