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304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
When I moved into my apartment at just 20 years old, transportation was one of my biggest challenge. Public transport and local shops were nearby, but my workplace was a 30-minute journey away. Late shifts often meant relying on taxis, and walking became part of my daily routine especially after exhausting 12 hour shifts.
After work, there was rarely anything to do. There wasn’t much to explore locally, and the nearest large park was about 45 minutes away. I would sometimes walk there during the daytime, when the atmosphere felt brighter and safer. Walking, after all, is therapeutic and it still is something I value deeply today.
Buying a Bicycle Without Knowing How to Ride
I bought the cheapest bicycle I could find at Halfords. It didn’t feel like a sensible decision at the time. My apartment was small, I had no storage space, and I didn’t even know how to ride a bike. What was the point?
I bought it anyway.
Every now and then, I would take the bicycle to the park, find a quiet spot, and slowly teach myself how to ride. Bit by bit, something changed. I wasn’t just learning to balance I was discovering a genuine interest in cycling.
There’s something important to understand about cycling, for some people, a bicycle is simply a way to get from one place to another. For others, it’s a form of exercise or a playful activity for kids. But cycling is more than transportation, fitness or it’s freedom.
From Struggle to Lifestyle
Through my struggles with transportation and my desire to explore new places, cycling became part of my life. It helped me see my town and nearby cities differently. Now at 25, my bicycle still gets me everywhere I need to go, while also serving as therapy for both my mind and body.
After five years of cycling, I’ve come to understand why riding a bicycle is truly splendid.
What You Should Know About Cycling
There is no perfect way to ride a bicycle. All you need is steady control, awareness, and the willingness to move forward with the wind.
Anyone can ride – regardless of age. Cycling has no limits.
It’s affordable to maintain – a bicycle doesn’t need fuel or chemicals to function.
It’s incredibly convenient bicycles can take you almost anywhere, even through tight spaces where other forms of transport struggle. There are fewer rules and restrictions compared to cars or public transport.
And most importantly, cycling is sustainable.
Why You Should Consider Cycling
It improves alertness and focus
When I began driving lessons in my 20s, I noticed how slow my reactions were to road hazards. Research suggests that processing speed can slow with age, and although I was still in education, cycling helped sharpen my awareness. Riding a bicycle forces you to stay alert, observe your surroundings, and anticipate the movement of others.
It builds confidence.
One of my favorite parts of cycling is the moment you speed off. At first, there’s fear wondering what could go wrong. Over time, that fear turns into freedom. You begin to feel confident, playful, and open to trying new things.
It improves your mood
I remember taking taxis to work while feeling low, already overwhelmed by the day ahead. Cycling changed that. It helped me stay present, calm, and focused, thinking of nothing but the air moving across my skin.
It helps with anxiety and depression.
Living alone at 20 was one of the loneliest periods of my life. I was vulnerable, struggling with depression, and without a car or reliable transport, I spent most of my time indoors. Cycling helped me reclaim my independence, whether it was exploring parks, running errands, or getting to work on time.
It gives you a sense of control.
Cycling requires balance, observation, and awareness. Riding consistently helps develop these skills, which naturally carry over into everyday life.
It keeps your body active and strong.
Cycling doesn’t only benefit mental wellbeing, it also strengthens and tones the body, particularly the legs and inner thighs.
More Than a Benefit
These are only a few of the benefits cycling has given me. Over time, it stopped feeling like something I should do and became something I am. What starts as a benefit slowly becomes a habit, and eventually, a lifestyle. And I’m happy it’s something I enjoy enough to share with others.
