Ever noticed that you feel a little different after a bike ride?
Maybe you've started the ride with your head full of things to do and returned feeling like you've pressed the reset button.
There's something about getting outside, moving your body and watching the world go by that can make a bike ride feel like more than just a journey.
This World Mental Health Day, we’re taking a moment to celebrate one of the simplest ways to look after your wellbeing: getting on your bike.
At Reid Bikes, we believe cycling is about much more than getting from A to B. It can be a chance to step away from the everyday, get some fresh air, explore somewhere new and make a little more time for yourself.
And while cycling isn’t a replacement for professional mental health support, making movement part of your routine can be a positive way to support your overall wellbeing.
1. Cycling gives you the chance to clear your head
Sometimes, the hardest part is simply getting out the door.
A bike ride gives you a reason to step outside and get moving. Whether it’s a gentle spin around your neighbourhood or a longer ride through the countryside, cycling can give you some time away from screens, schedules and the constant noise of everyday life.
There’s something about being outdoors, feeling the breeze and focusing on the road ahead that can help you switch off for a while.
You don't need to ride for hours, either. Even a short cycle can be a welcome change of pace.
💡 DID YOU KNOW?
Can cycling really make a difference to your mental wellbeing?
Research involving more than 1.2 million people found that those who exercised reported 43.2% fewer days of poor mental health than those who didn't. In the same study, cycling was associated with a 21.6% lower mental-health burden compared with not exercising.
2. Cycling gets you outside and moving
Life can be busy. Between work, family, social commitments and everything else on the to-do list, finding time for yourself can sometimes feel like another task to squeeze in.
Cycling can turn that time into something enjoyable.
You could take the scenic route home after work, head out for a weekend ride, or simply jump on your bike for 20 minutes when you need a break. There’s no right or wrong way to ride, the important thing is finding something that works for you.
💡 DID YOU KNOW?
Cycling isn't just good for getting around.
The World Health Organization says walking and cycling can help boost mental health, improve mood and help reduce anxiety and depression.
3. You can ride with others
Cycling doesn't have to be a solo activity.
Meeting a friend for a ride can be a great way to combine exercise and social connection. You can chat as you ride, stop for a coffee or discover a new route together.
For some people, having a regular ride with friends, family or a local cycling group can also provide a reason to get out and stay connected.
And if you don't have anyone to ride with, that's okay too. A solo ride can be just as enjoyable.
💡 DID YOU KNOW?
There’s also encouraging evidence from cycling programmes themselves. Cycling UK's Big Bike Revival found that 86% of participants said cycling had boosted their mental wellbeing.
4. Cycling gives you a reason to explore
One of the best things about cycling is the freedom it gives you to explore.
A route that might take too long to walk can be easily accessible by bike, opening up new parks, paths, villages and viewpoints that you might otherwise miss.
Try choosing a destination rather than a distance. Find a café you've never visited, cycle along a canal or river, or take a quiet route through your local area.
You might be surprised by what you discover just a few miles from home.
💡 DID YOU KNOW?
Around 30% of car journeys in Europe are less than 3km, and around 50% are less than 5km. That means many everyday journeys could potentially become little opportunities to get outside and ride.
There's no such thing as a 'perfect' ride
It's easy to think cycling has to mean big distances, fast speeds or challenging climbs.
It doesn't.
Your ride could be a gentle ten-minute spin, a trip to the shops, a commute to work or a full day exploring on two wheels. It all counts as time spent doing something for yourself.
The best bike ride is often the one that fits into your life, and leaves you feeling good about getting out there.
You don't have to be “a cyclist”
You don't need lycra. You don't need a training plan. You don't need to know your average speed, or how many miles you've ridden this month. And you definitely don't need to call yourself a cyclist.
If you have a bike, you can simply get on it and go.
Cycle to the shops. Ride to meet a friend. Take the long way home. Explore your local park. Find a new coffee spot. And if hills, distance or the thought of a longer ride are putting you off, an eBike can make getting out on two wheels feel more accessible.
No pressure. No personal bests. Just a bike and somewhere to go.
Not sure which type of bike is right for you?
Our guide to choosing a bike can help you find a ride that fits your lifestyle.
Why can cycling feel so good?
✩ Movement ✩
You're getting your body moving, and physical activity is associated with better mental health and wellbeing.
✩ A change of scenery ✩
Getting outside gives you a break from screens, routines and the same four walls.
✩ Something to focus on ✩
Whether you're navigating a new route or simply watching the road ahead, cycling gives your mind something immediate to engage with.
✩ A chance to connect ✩
Ride with a friend and you've combined movement, fresh air and a bit of social time.
✩ A little sense of achievement ✩
Made it to the top of that hill? Found a new route? Finally got out when you really didn't feel like it? Small wins count.
Small rides can make a difference
Try the 20-minute resetFeeling overwhelmed? Got a head full of things to do? Grab your bike and go for 20 minutes. Don't worry about distance. Don't chase a personal best. Don't even plan a particularly exciting route. Just get outside, ride somewhere familiar and give yourself a little time away from your usual routine. You might come home with exactly the same to-do list. But you might feel a little more ready to tackle it. |
Looking after your mental wellbeing doesn't have to involve making huge changes overnight. Sometimes, it's about finding small things that you enjoy and making space for them regularly. So this World Mental Health Day, why not make time for a ride?
Get outside. Take the scenic route. Meet a friend. Explore somewhere new. Or simply pedal around your local streets with no particular destination in mind.
Your bike doesn't need to take you far to help you take a little time for yourself.
At Reid Bikes, we're here to help make getting out on two wheels accessible, enjoyable and part of everyday life.
Happy riding!
Ready for your next ride?
You don't need a big goal. You don't need a big adventure. Sometimes, you just need a bike, somewhere to go and a little time for yourself.
Find your next Reid bike and get out there. Discover Reid bikes >>
A note on mental health: Cycling and physical activity can be part of a healthy wellbeing routine, but they're not a substitute for professional mental health support. If you're struggling with your mental health, consider speaking to a healthcare professional or a mental health organisation.
Frequently asked questions
Is cycling good for mental health?
Cycling is a form of physical activity, and evidence indicates that physical activity can support mental health and wellbeing. WHO also identifies walking and cycling as forms of active mobility that can benefit mental health.
Can cycling help reduce stress?
Cycling can provide an opportunity to be physically active, spend time outdoors and take a break from everyday routines. These are some of the reasons cycling can be a useful part of a healthy wellbeing routine.
How long should I cycle for mental wellbeing?
There's no single amount that's right for everyone. WHO recommends that adults aim for 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, while emphasising that some physical activity is better than none.
Do I need to cycle long distances?
No. A short ride can still get you moving and outside. Cycling can be incorporated into everyday journeys, such as commuting, shopping or meeting friends.
What if I'm new to cycling?
Start small. Choose a familiar, comfortable route and ride at a pace that feels manageable. You don't need to be fast, experienced or particularly fit to enjoy getting on a bike.
Sources
- The Lancet Psychiatry / PubMed: Association between physical exercise and mental health in 1.2 million individuals in the USA between 2011 and 2015 - Read the research
- World Health Organization: 100 Reasons to Walk and Cycle More - Read the research
- Cycling UK: Big Bike Revival impact - Read the research