It’s said you never forget how to ride a bicycle. So even if it’s been a while, cycling can be a fun way to exercise to feel better and help reduce your risk of several serious illnesses, including many types of cancer.
Cycling is an effective way to burn calories, whether you’re riding slow and steady or fast and furious. Even at a leisurely pace of 13 to 15 miles per hour, a 150-pound person can burn 400-500 calories in an hour.
Cycling is a non-impact exercise that isn’t as hard on your joints as running. And it offers lots of options in all weather, from riding inside on a stationary bike, to going outside on trails or safe roads.
If you do cycle outside, remember your safety gear, including helmets and reflective clothing so you can be seen in the dark, and apply sunscreen to protect exposed skin. Choose tighter clothing and sturdy shoes that won’t get caught in your bike’s chain.
However you choose to ride a bike, you’re picking an effective exercise that’s environmentally friendly, enjoyable, and easy on your knees.
The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team
Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as journalists, editors, and translators with extensive experience in medical writing.
American Cancer Society news stories are copyrighted material and are not intended to be used as press releases. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy.