Slow Bicycle Movement

Slow bicycle movement, also known as "slowbiking" is a growing trend that involves riding a bicycle at a leisurely pace. It involves taking in the sights and sounds of the surroundings and really soaking everthing in. Slowbiking can be a great way to relax, unwind, and enjoy the outdoors. It definitely has a number of benefits for not just physical health, but also mental health. In this article, we will explore the concept of slowbiking in more detail and consider the various factors for why you might want to consider riding a bike every - slowly.

What is slow biking?

Slowbiking is a way of cycling that entails riding a bike at a leisurely pace and focusing on the experience rather than speed or performance. Slowbikers are not sportsmen. We typically ride our bikes on paved paths or roads, and choose routes that are scenic. We prefer to pass through interesting neighborhoods and landmarks too. Slowbiking is often associated with touring or recreational cycling, and it can be a great way to explore new areas here in Singapore or simply enjoy the outdoors that we have.

Slowbiking is a great way to relax and unwind. It can be an enjoyable activity for people of all ages and abilities. It's also a low-impact form of exercise that is easy on the joints, this makes it an awesome option to get some fresh air and sunshine. In addition, slowbiking works wonders as a social activity. Not only does it provide an opportunity to ride with friends or meet new people along the way, it is also damn fun.

Benefits of slow biking

We could go on rambling for ages on how joining the slow biking movement would be beneficial for you, but we'll limit ourselves to the following list for brevity's sake:

• Improved cardiovascular health: Slowbiking as with all other low intensity cardio activities, helps to improve cardiovascular health by increasing heart rate and blood flow. it doesn't really matter that the intensity isn't high. The more you move the better your health usually will be. Accordingly, it can help to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions.

• Weight management: Slowbiking can help to burn calories and promote weight loss. Getting around slowly on a bicycle certainly burns more calories than sitting in a car or a train. It's a great way to add some low-impact exercise to your routine, and it can be a fun way to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine.

• Stress relief: From personal experience, riding a bike does wonder for my mental health. There's something about hopping on a bicycle that makes my day feel better, and I'm sure that it would be the same for you too! Slow biking can be a great way to relax and unwind after a long day. It provides an opportunity to get outside and enjoy the beauty of nature (or at least man-made nature as we have it here in Singapore), and it can help to reduce stress and improve mental health.

Factors to consider when slowbiking

There are a few key factors to consider when slowbiking, including:

• Safety: It's important to stay safe while slowbiking. This means wearing a helmet, following traffic laws, and being aware of your surroundings at all times. Even though you're going slow, that doesn't mean that you will not get into an accident. It's always important to be safe people.

• Comfort: Slowbiking should be comfortable, so it's important to choose a bike (we have a collection of bikes in all shapes and sizes here at Unspokin) that fits well and has a comfortable saddle. It's also a good idea to bring along water, snacks, and any other supplies you might need to keep you comfortable on the ride. In this case, some panniers or a water bottle cage may be helpful.

• Distance: Slowbiking is typically a leisurely activity, so it's important to choose a distance that is comfortable and manageable. This will depend on your fitness level and the terrain of the route, but it's generally a good idea to start with shorter distances and gradually increase as you become more comfortable. The more you cycle, the fitter you will get! So don't think so much about distance at first as it'll naturally and gradually build up. If you would like some tips on how to start biking when you're a beginner feel free to check out our handy article on 9 Top Tips for Beginner Cyclists in 2023.

Conclusion on slow biking

Regardless of whether you're an absolute beginner or a seasoned cyclist. It's always generally a good idea to slow down on your bike from time to time and stop to "smell the roses". Singapore is a beautiful place to cycle, especially with the new cycling infrastructure in the park connector networks that are being built and completed every day. Slow biking has a range of benefits for our health, wellbeing and the environment. So why not give it a go?