A bicycle is a human-powered, pedal-driven vehicle that has two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other. The rider, known as a cyclist or bicyclist, uses the cranks to move the wheel forward and backward, which turns the pedals and propels the bike.

Cycling is a great way to improve your cardiovascular system, as well as your strength and endurance. It is a low-impact exercise that can help prevent osteoporosis and joint problems, such as arthritis, since it doesn’t put too much stress on your joints. In addition, it can reduce your risk of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.

The bike is also a good form of transportation, especially for people who live close to work or school and don’t have cars or bus passes. It is less expensive than driving a car, and it can reduce air pollution, since you don’t have to drive everywhere.

Riding a bicycle helps you maintain good balance and coordination, and it can help you build muscle. It is also a great cardiovascular exercise, which can help you control your weight and blood pressure, as well as strengthen your heart and lungs. In addition, it can help to relieve stress and boost your mood, since it releases endorphins.

Cycling is a great exercise for all ages and fitness levels, as it can be done at any pace and doesn’t require any special equipment. It’s a great way to get more activity in your life, and it can be easier than some other exercises that require a lot of skill to learn.

There are a few injuries that can be caused by bicycle use, including pain in the hands from gripping the handlebars; soreness or bruising in the neck, shoulders, and back from overuse of the muscles; knee problems from putting too much pressure on them while riding; hip pain from sliding the soft tissue of the pelvis over the underlying bone; and saddle sores in the area of the genitals, which can happen in both men and women. These injuries can be treated by doctors who specialize in orthopedic medicine, sports medicine, or physical therapy.

To get the most out of your cycling workout, it’s a good idea to cross-train with other activities that focus on flexibility and range of motion, such as yoga, says Warloski. He also recommends adding short periods of sprinting to your rides, as you would in a running workout. These brief bursts of speed can improve your cycling performance by allowing you to burn more energy in a shorter period of time, and they may help you avoid the “bonk” effect that can occur with long endurance workouts. This happens when the body becomes depleted of its reserves of glycogen, and can cause a wave of fatigue and weakness. To avoid this, start with lower-intensity sprints to get your heart rate up and gradually increase the intensity. As you do, keep track of your cycling times and distances to see how far you can go before you need to stop to rest or drink water.