At CalBike, we work hard to make riding a bike safe and accessible for more Californians. But we don’t forget one of the reasons for our passion: joy. Because riding a bike, on a good day with a nice stretch of pavement and a well-oiled chain, is pure joy. 

May is Bike Month, and it’s also Mental Health Awareness Month, so we want to take a moment to celebrate the benefits of biking on mental health. The term “mental health” encompasses your psychological, social, and emotional well-being. Our mental health affects how we act, think, and feel. 

We all know physical health is important if we want to live a good life, but most of us don’t place the same importance on our mental health. This might be because we don’t understand how poor mental health can affect our overall health and directly reflect on our physical health. 

Research has shown that conditions such as depressive disorders can lead to long-lasting conditions, such as heart disease and stroke. The CDC estimates that more than 1 in 5 adults in the United States lives with a mental illness, and surprisingly, the same trend is seen in youth aged 13-18. 

Riding a bicycle improves blood circulation and releases endorphins. It can reduce anxiety and depression. Biking to the office can be as stimulating and mood-elevating as a morning cup of coffee, without the caffeine. Exercising makes the brain release chemicals that can help improve cognitive processes, reduce stress, and control pain. 

Plus, riding a bike can feel like flying. Getting where you need to go without worrying about parking or traffic jams, under your own power — it’s delightful.

Of course, there are elements of riding a bike that can induce stress and anxiety, such as inadequate bikeways, close calls with cars, and other road hazards. CalBike is working toward a world filled with not only bicycles but also separated bikeways and paths, protected intersections, and traffic-calmed streets. We’re fighting for a California where no one has to fear police harassment when they ride somewhere because of the color of their skin, where we invest in Complete Streets for every neighborhood, and everyone can experience the joy of riding a bike.