The Anti-Lycra Social Club: In Praise of Slowbiking

In a world where speed is often the highest value, even when it comes to cycling, a quiet revolution is taking place on the streets of cities around the world: the rise of slow biking, cycling that is not a sport but the pure joy of movement. It’s about experience, not speed or performance.

Would you never go to the gym and feel intimidated by bike shops packed with the latest and greatest bikes where every gram counts and costs a year’s salary? Does not matter. Even so, cycling can capture your heart. The pursuit of speed and the greatest possible number of kilometers does not have to be and is far from, the purpose of life for everyone who rides a bike.

Slowbiking is a completely different discipline far from the adrenaline world of competitive cycling and the simple pleasure of moving at your own pace and connecting with other cyclists. It’s a way to return the bike to its original purpose: getting around town and beyond.

It’s a fun activity for people of all ages and abilities, an easy, joint-friendly exercise, and a great opportunity to get some fresh air and soak up some vitamin D. As a bonus, it works great as a social activity. Not only can you ride with friends or meet new people along the way, it’s also great fun.

Here are just a few reasons why non-performance cycling can change your life:

Comfort and convenience

You pay for speed. Slowbiking is mainly about the joy and enjoyment of riding. A comfortable saddle may add weight to your bike, but it is simply comfortable. Like a bike with taller handlebars that you can sit up straight on. Screw up aerodynamics and don’t strain your arms and back unnecessarily.

Through the city in your own pace

You will enjoy the surroundings

When you’re not racing, you have the opportunity to enjoy your city from a different perspective with all its sounds, colors and smells. A leisurely ride is sure to put a smile on your face, which certainly doesn’t happen to record breakers in lycra, let alone car drivers. Thanks to the absence of speed, you really become a part of your city, exchanging a few smiles with passers-by suddenly feels completely normal.

You relieve stress

The smooth rhythm of pedaling at a free pace has a calming effect on our mind. Slowbiking provides an opportunity to switch off and let the stress of everyday life float away, to relax and mentally unwind. Observing your surroundings also helps the mind calm down. “Cycling is one of the most effective stress-relieving techniques and has been shown to be as effective or more effective than medication in many cases,” Neil Shah of the Stress Management Society told Bike Radar magazine.

You will improve your physique

Although slow biking doesn’t get your heart pumping as much as intense aerobic exercise, it still benefits cardiovascular health, muscles and increased mobility.

On bike you discover places where mororized vehicles can´t go.

You will benefit the environment

By choosing human-powered transportation over fossil fuels, you help reduce emissions and fight climate change. Cycling UK points out that “cycling is one of the ways that individuals can reduce their carbon footprint and has significant benefits for health, the economy and air quality.”

You save money

Slowbiking is the perfect way to get around town at zero cost. When you invest in a reliable bike, additional costs are absolutely minimal. Throw in a carrier or basket and get shopping on the way. Your favorite vegetable stand may be your last stop on the way home.

You will enjoy the freedom

Navigating the streets of the city on two wheels is liberating, you are not affected by traffic jams or parking restrictions. Slowbiking provides space to explore new routes at your own pace, whenever you feel like it.

In a world that values ​​speed and efficiency more than anything else, slowbiking is the perfect antidote, an invitation to slow down and enjoy moving through the streets at a human pace. Have we enticed you? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cyclist, there’s nothing easier than going out and trying it out. Accept our May Bike to Work challenge and try it on your own for a month. Form a team, for example with family, colleagues or friends, and participate in the competition for interesting prizes from our partners. Just like more than 25,000 people from the whole country do every year. You will see that you will enjoy it.