Bike to Work Day Planned For May 27

As of April 29, you can sign up to participate in Bike to Work Day, which is taking place this year on May 27^th. Bike to Work Day kicks off Bike Month (May 27^th – June 30^th), an entire month dedicated to promoting cycling as a healthy and safe form of commuting. By signing up to participate you’ll be entered to win one of six $300 MEC gift cards, and to qualify all you have to do is complete one of the following actions:

• Ride your bike to work on May 27^th
• Participate in a Bike to Work Day event
• Ride your bike at least once during Bike Month (May 27^th – June 30^th)

Aside from having the opportunity to win a $300 MEC gift card, there are countless benefits to cycling to and from work. We’ve narrowed it down to our top four.

1. Exercise (& Happiness). Cycling on average burns as many calories as jogging, with considerably fewer negative impacts on the joints. Cycling improves cardiovascular and aerobic fitness, lowers blood pressure, boosts energy, builds muscle, and improves coordination. Biking to and from work is an easy and efficient way to sneak a workout into the day. Numerous studies have shown that daily exercise can reduce stress, alleviate symptoms of depression, improve sleep patterns for individuals with insomnia, and reduce anxiety.
2. Affordability. Cycling is considerably less expensive than driving or taking the train, street car or bus everyday. If you already own a bike (and a helmet—while not mandatory, we highly recommend one) your only potential annual expense is having a bike tune-up done at the beginning of cycling season. Bike tune-ups range in price, but can start as low as $45. Here is a list of the best bike repair shops in Toronto. If you know how to perform your own tune-up or know someone who can do it for you, cycling is even less expensive! Plus, if you don’t own a bike, you can rent one through Bike Share Toronto at a pretty affordable rate.
3. Spending Time Outside. With the average adult now spending 90% of their time indoors, where the concentrations of some pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than outdoors, it’s more important than ever to make spending time outside a priority. Health providers are even prescribing “nature pills” in an attempt to treat the growing epidemic of “nature-deficit disorder” a problem facing a large majority of people in modernized societies as we spend more and more time indoors, in front of screens, in built environments for the majority of our days. Cycling to and from work is a simple way to spend more time outside, while still being efficient with your time.  
4. Environmentally Friendly. The transportation industry is the second largest emitter of greenhouse gases in Canada, next to only the oil and gas industry. Cycling is a great way to minimize your carbon footprint while incorporating more physical activity into your day, and spending time outside. An all-around win!

If you don’t usually cycle to work, don’t worry! Download a cycling map to get started and figure out the safest route to your office. If you’re nervous about cycling in the city, check out The Toronto Cyclists Handbook. It includes everything you need to know about riding your bike safely in the city.

Have fun and be safe!

“The bicycle is a simple solution to some of the world’s most complicated problems.”