Stay Healthy and Get on Your Bike

While sitting in traffic on Route 23 in Valley Forge Park on a beautiful Tuesday afternoon, my eyes were drawn to watch the walkers, joggers and cyclists. The gas light came on in my car and  I wondered why I didn’t just ride my bike to my destination in King of Prussia.  

By taking the Schuylkill River Trail, riding for almost 10 miles, this would have saved on gas, stopped some excess air pollution, bypassed the stress of sitting in traffic and last but not least it would have been an awesome workout. Those are only a few of the benefits of getting out the bike. There are quite a few things that you could gain from taking a bike ride now and again.  

1. A good cardiovascular, stamina, strength workout
The biggest and most obvious reason for riding a bike are the health benefits. Unlike running or jogging or even sometimes walking, biking can cause less impact on your body. You can get a good cardiovascular workout by riding all the hills in this area.  

2. Proven stress reliever
While exercising in and of itself is a stress reliever, riding your bike in the outdoors can help you be aware of your surroundings and enjoy nature. If you should choose to ride your bike to work you could also arrive without feeling the strain of sitting in miles of traffic. Your endorphins and serotonin, known to improve mood and motivation, will be elevated enough to help you have a more positive, productive day.  

3. Less pollution, reducing traffic
As we all know, the Phoenxville area has quite a bit of traffic that travels through going to other destinations. Why not take some time to get out your bike and explore Phoenixville in a different way? Rather than passing through in your car stop downtown with your bike and don’t worry about the parking.  

4.  Save you money
The price of gas is going up with the coming of the summer driving season. If you ride your bike for those short trips you could cut down on money spent on gas. Also if you go to the grocery store you may decide to buy less unnecessary items, because you have less carrying room.

5. Convenience factor
How many times have you been sitting in traffic on 422 or 23 trying to get into King of Prussia or sitting on Bridge Street for that matter, without thinking you could possibly get to your destination by riding your bike? Well if you haven’t been contemplating riding your bike the distance from Phoenixville to King of Prussia, maybe just ride around town or on the nearest bike path. Much like parking your car a good distance from the nearest door requiring you to walk a few more steps, taking your bike could save you time and money, while also helping you get some exercise.  

Now that the weather is warmer and the days are longer, try getting your bike out of the attic, basement or garage.  If it needs some maintenance or you don’t have a bike, stop in one of Phoenixville’s bike shops right on Bridge Street. Both stores can accommodate your biking needs here in Phoenixville.  They can also give you some tips and tricks of safe biking in the Phoenixville area.

Additionally, a was just started in Phoenixville. If you're thinking about using a bike for either commuting or recreation, this is a great way to test it out. The bike share is free, and you can find out more at .

Remember the benefits of biking. Be sure to wear a helmet and be aware of where you are going and the rules of the road.  And you don’t have to be Lance Armstrong to get on your bike and start riding. Just get out and ride.