World Bicycle Day 2021: 5 reasons for kids to learn cycling

Bicycle is an environment-friendly mode of transportation. Additionally, cyclists are known to reap many physical and mental health benefits. In order to acknowledge nd raise mass awareness about the advantages of cycling, the United Nations, in April 2018, declared June 3 as the World Bicycle Day. This UN observance day also aims to promote a culture of peace and social inclusion. As we celebrate World Bicycle Day today, know how cycling can benefit your kids and encourage them to love the pedals.  

Improves brain function 
Cycling, like any other physical activity, comes with a lot of brain benefits. As your child hits the pedal, oxygen-rich blood circulates through his whole body including brain. This enhances cognitive capacities like attention span and creative thinking. Also, this physical activity boosts the production of certain nerve proteins, which, when released into the brain, increases the formation of new nerve cells. This whole process enhances the brainpower of kids.  

Prevents obesity 
Childhood obesity is a major concern in the current times. Lack of physical activity and bad eating habits are the main culprits behind this phenomenon. It is no secret that  smartphones, tablets, internet and game consoles are the major contributors behind the sedentary lifestyle of kids. Cycling is a fun physical activity that can break this cycle of inaction in children. It improves metabolism and aids in calorie burn allowing them to maintain ideal body weight.  

Strengthens immune system 
Riding a cycle regularly helps enhances the production of good quality white blood cells, crucial members of the immune system. Moreover, during this physical activity, your child will absorb a lot of vitamin D from the sun. This sunshine vitamin is also known to strengthen the immune system.  

Boosts muscle growth 
Pushing the pedals gives a good workout to various muscles groups of your child’s body including those in the leg, buttock and abdomen, shoulder and arms. This physical activity also works on the deeper back muscles between the vertebrae. Additionally, the circular, gentle loading and unloading motion of the legs during cycling helps in making the knee joints stronger.  

Sharpens motor skills 
Motor skills are a very crucial aspect of a child’s development. While pedalling, she will develop many of them in a playful way, the most important being balance and hand-eye coordination. Also, during cycling, kids explore the world around them by absorbing stimuli from the environment with the help of their brain’s sensory channels. All these contribute to their overall development.