BB Fact Sheet – Recreation - Cycling

Keep active for life

• Ride a bike and help to improve your fitness. 

• ‘Escape’ from the worries and stress of life by taking up Cycling. 

• Get outside and enjoy the scenery - individually, or with friends or family. 

• By taking up riding as a mode of transport you will be helping the environment.

Baby Boomers and Cycling

• The health benefits of cycling make it attractive to the Baby Boomer population. As cycling is a generally low impact sport on the joints, it is easier to participate in and less harsh on our bodies, so it's a great addition to your Preventative Health strategy.

• The simplicity, cost-effectiveness and ease of use of the bicycle have contributed to its worldwide use, and popularity with Baby Boomers. 

Why Cycling?

• Cycling has many potential health benefits due to its aerobic activity, which means that your heart, blood vessels and lungs all get a great workout.Cycling could also help you to develop your fitness without joint stress, improve muscle tone and strength, help manage weight, heighten energy levels,and assist in reducing stress, anxiety and depression.

• Cycling can also be a competitive and social outlet. There are lots of clubs across Australia that provide the opportunity to compete at club, local, state and national levels.

Getting started

• Don’t put it off, start now! All it takes is a roadworthy bike, a helmet, shoes, comfortable clothes and some pedal power. 

• Contact your local council for information on bike paths, lanes and trails, or ask someone you know who cycles.  You can choose to go on or off road but start cycling on bike paths if you are new to cycling or not confident.

• Talk to people you know who cycle, and ask them what they do. Ride with others or join a club. 

Bicycle Federation of Australia Inc. -  (02) 6249 6761

Cycling Australia: Phone                 -  (02) 9644 3002  

For information on cycling in general, events, clubs and news – start with the following links:

Australia - http://www.bfa.asn.au

              - http://www.cycling.org.au       

NSW      - http://www.bicyclensw.org.au

             - http://www.nsw.cycling.org.au       

QLD      - http://www.bq.org.au           

             - http://www.qld.cycling.org.au         

VIC       - http://www.bv.com.au                  

             - http://www.vic.cycling.org.au       

WA       - http://www.wa.cycling.org.au

SA        - http://www.bikesa.asn.au             

            - http://www.sa.cycling.org.au        

TAS      - http://www.biketas.org.au            

            - http://www.tas.cycling.org.au        

NT        - http://www.nt.cycling.org.au       

ACT      - http://www.pedalpower.org.au           

             - http://www.act.cycling.org.au    

Tour Down Under                   - http://www.tourdownunder.com.au/2010

Tour De France                      - http://www.letour.com

National Events Calendars     - http://www.bfa.asn.au/events/?IntCatId=3

                                               - http://www.cycling.org.au/calendar/

Mountain Bike Australia          - http://www.mtba.asn.au/

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This article was created by Lisa Turley for babyboomers.com.au - Australia's website for Baby Boomers. Babyboomers.com.au is an online resource to help people find information and services on health, money, travel and recreation.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this section should not be used for individual recreation or medical advice. Please see an independent advisor or your doctor if you have concerns or specific questions relating to your health.

Copyright 2009 Babyboomers Pty Ltd. All rights Reserved.