Why should everyone own a cycle?

By: The Arnav Writes Team
First Upload: 10th December 2024, 09:23
Last Update: 12th December 2025, 12:54

The history of cycling is just as old as the steam engine. Cycling, started in 1817 meaning it has been 206 years since the invention of the non-motorized 2 wheeler, older than any vehicle.

For most of the world before the invention of cars and even in the areas where the automobile has not set foot, our 2 wheeler friend- the cycle has been the main powerhouse in those areas.

Let us look at some of the reasons why everyone should own a cycle today from my own perspective.

Introduction

This article has the sole purpose of providing valueable information to it's readers and not force anything on them. Those who implement the articles suggestions and implement it may significantly benefit from their decision while we can only say thank you to those who just read.

Most individuals only ride cycles during their time as a toddler and childhood and later entirely forget about the existence of the two-wheeler. This article explains why you should own one cycle, even if you only ride a few times a year.

A cyclist in front of Buckingham Palace in London, which is one of the most cycle friendly cities in the world apart from Amsterdam.

Ownership factors

Reason 1: the Cost Factor

One of the key starter points about buying a cycle is the cost factor, meaning it's one of the most affordable forms of self-transport available in the market.
While elite sports cycles do cross the price of even SUV's, a large majority of the population is only going to buy a city bike, which in most parts of the world is often costing less than a television.
This is the reason as to why cycle ownership in rural areas is pretty high. However those with higher incomes and those who reside in Tier 1,2 and 3 cities can also use them, not because they cannot afford a better vehicle but because they use it for a different purpose mentioned below.

Reason 2: The License Factor

Most transport forms require form of license such as Light Vehicle license (cars) or heavy vehicle license (buses), which require several driving courses and a lot of money spent on acquiring the license.
However with a cycle, there is no form of registration required such as a driving license. A person can simply purchase and start using it.

Reason 3: No Toll Tax and Parking Fees

Toll Tax: Motor vehicles need to which drives up cost really quick for frequent commuters, but cyclists who do not even use tolled highways never need to pay a dime for any form of road tax for using their cycle.
Parking Fees: People spend so much time circling the area just to find 1 parking space for their car and then pay a hefty price (costly in certain areas) just to let it rest.
Cyclists do not need to bother for all these, they can simply get onto the sidewalk, and lock their cycle against any pole they find. Infact for those who carry small-foldable cycles, its even better for them since they can pack their cycle into a bag which is very portable into public transport or even buildings.

A cyclist who is lane-splitting on a highway.

Reason 4: The Fuel Factor

Most motor vehicles which use highways are more often fuel guzzlers which quickly slices away into the wallet of the vehicle owner.
Cyclists have a different form of petrol station: It's called the restaraunt (or wherever they may eat) which should ideally be consisting of carbohydrates such as Sandwiches and Crossiants. They can then cycle as far as their body allows them to, which could be more for those who efficiently pedal.

Reason 5: The Moving Factor

Most motor vehicles have visits to the mechanic which sometimes highlights issues in their vehicle, which requires complex techniques to fix.
For a cyclist, there can be nothing more to fix apart from the chain, the brakes and the tyres (if burst). This leaves them with less worries and less financial burden.

Reason 6: The Value Factor

Most automobiles which are bought and sold on the market often have very high depreciation rates which often becomes 85% in some vehicles.
However in cycles, they do not lose market resale value significantly, even after several decades as the wear and tear is not much. Most cycle owners do not even bother to sell their cycles as they find no major reason to, unless it becomes a burden.

Fast moving cyclists who are speeding past the Arc De Triomphe, an iconic monument of Paris in their Tour De France Championship.

Reason 7: The Portability Factor

While most cars need to be parked before using public transit, the folding cycle can be folded and placed in a bag which is so convenient for reasons such as safety and convenience later on.

A hypothetical situation. would be:

You leave home on your bike
You reach the station and pack your bike
You carry your bike in the bag and travel on the train/bus.
You leave the train/bus station and unpack your cycle
You cycle from the station to your final destination.

Reason 8: The Energy Efficiency Factor

When a car or any vehicle is turned on or is waiting in traffic, the engine keeps running. But when you cycle, first of all, there is no engine to start and second of all, when you stop pedaling, the cycle consumes no energy, making it the most efficient vehicle of all.

Reason 9: The Risk Factor

In a supercar like a Bugatti, if the windows are damaged, a new window will be costing upwards 1000 USD. While if a car is stolen, the loss will be of the full car and the contents inside it
But in a cycle, if it's stolen or damaged, then the loss will be very less compared to any other vehicle.

YouTuber Bicycle Dutch doing food delivery on cycle for a YT Video. (& earning money)

Reason 10: The Monetization Factor

Not everyone does it but in cities like London where there are cycle friendly roads, many delivery drivers use a cycle which bring down cost and time of transporting orders.
If you may think cycle is slower than cars, then think of the traffic on the road. The cycles in some places can freely use the footpath when necessary.

Health Factors

Most people using self-motor vehicles struggle from various factors such as stress, obesity, cardio issues and sleep problems. Let us see in this section as to why owning and using a cycle will help alleviate these issues.

Reason 11: Cardio Factor

As the cyclist themself is pedaling the cycle (unless it is an electric bike), the cyclist's biggest benefit is the improvement in their cardiovascular health, as the heart walls thicken, the resting heart rate lowers and improves circulation in general.

Reason 12: Fat Loss Factor

As their body energy being the primary source of energy to pedal the cycle, the cyclist will eventually lose a lot of body fat and have their leg muscles toned into athlete mode.

If you have ever recevied food delivery by a rider who came by a cycle, chances are he would be completely lean and fit, unless of course he might have started very recently.

Reason 13: Strength Factor

As cycling uses body muscles such as Quads, Hamstrings, Calves and Spine, these muscles then get strengthened over time. This eventually leads to a change very visible. People who are professional/long term cyclists often have very big and thick legs (even as men) as they have developed by adapting to the demands of pedaling.

Robert Förstemann who is a professional cyclist has one of the largest legs among athletes due to his consistent training

Reason 14: Mental Health Factor

One of the most alarming problems which is not spoken about can be resolved using cycling. Cycling will help reduce stress as it helps to release endorphins, which is a happy hormone.

In contrast, car owners are prone to be more likely under stress and face depression than cyclists, as proven by multiple studies.

Reason 15: Immunity factor

As the body generates more heat and is exposed to all kinds of weather conditions from blazing snow to blazing sands, the body will eventually improve it's immunity function, which will later on help avoid catching any major illness, or atleast reduce the chances of catching one.

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