Overwhelmed by endless notifications, sophomore Katelyn Nguyen tossed her phone on her bed and grabbed her bike. With each turn of the wheels, her mind cleared, replaced with the sound of nature and the peaceful surroundings.
National Bike Month is celebrated in May and includes events like National Bike to Work Week on May 16 and National Bike to School Day on May 7. This celebration was founded in 1956 by the League of American Bicyclists, which encourages people to pick their bike up and go for a ride.
“I think [biking] is good, because it moves a lot of the lower half of your body so it’s really nice,” senior Angelina Sofya said. “Also, instead of working out inside, you get to see nature and outside more.”
To maintain fitness and health, regular physical activity is beneficial. As stated in the Better Health Channel, biking is a low-impact exercise suitable for all ages, offering benefits such as muscle workout, increased stamina and aerobic fitness. Cycling can align into daily routines, allowing individuals to combine exercise with transportation.
“Biking is the perfect way to fit exercise into my day,” Nguyen said. “It’s faster than walking, saves me time and helps me stay active without thinking about it.”
The League of American Bicyclists indicates one of the most notable advantages of biking is the improved mood that comes from the release of endorphins during exercise. Biking also helps to reconnect with nature. Riding through parks or along scenic routes allows individuals to enjoy fresh air and their surroundings, which can improve someone’s mental state. Additionally, biking serves as a stress reliever, the calming environment while riding can lower stress hormones, helping one to feel more relaxed and centered.
“When you go on a bike ride, you see all the scenery and it’s mentally freeing,” freshman Amina Awad said. “When you’re riding fast, you have that feeling like you’re flying and it’s just fun.”
To encourage more students to ride bikes and learn about cycling safety, FCPS has discussed Safe Routes to School (SRTS) initiatives to promote physical activity among students and reduce traffic around schools. SRTS focuses on educating students about bicycle safety and encourages them to achieve 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Not only do those programs promote exercise and fresh air, they also enhance students’ independence and confidence.
“Biking is something every student should do more often,” Nguyen said. “It teaches independence by giving you the freedom of going where you want and the confidence of being alone and comfortable.”
The Bike Shop in Centreville offers bike rentals for Chantilly and nearby areas, providing an option for students without bikes or those who are looking to rent for a day. The shop features a variety of bikes and assistance to ensure a smooth rental process.
“As a student who bikes to school, renting a bike would be great for allowing more people to be able to start their day with more exercise and fun, without having to worry about the price of a bike,” sophomore Johnny Fernandez said.
