We Knew It All Along: Cyclists Are Smarter

Life In the Bike Lane

By Tom Frady

We knew it all along, didn’t we?  Cyclists are just smarter.  But what does cycling actually do for our minds?

Answering that question has been difficult for psychologists and neurologists.  As early as 1896, which is roughly when the first modern-like bicycles were invented and I was in grade school riding my first bike, it was said,

“In the nature of the motion is another unique combination.  With the great speed there are the subtle glide and sway of skating, something of the yacht’s rocking, a touch of the equestrian bounce, and a suggestion of flying. The effect of all this upon the mind is as wholesomely stimulating as is the exercise to the body”.

OK.  I’ve been miserable on my bike. But very infrequently.  I’ve bonked. Chafing?  Sure.  The donut shop was closed.  I have even met the pavement unexpectedly, once or twice.  But far more often, cycling makes me feel both physically and emotionally improved. Most cyclists have experienced what I call a “smile moment”.  While you are on the bike, everything comes together, and you notice it. It’s sunny with no wind.  You are 58.35 miles into a ride and your legs are feeling good.  You get a whiff of that lavender bush you just passed.  The donut shop is open with plenty of crumb donuts.

What has been learned in the last 130 years about this positive stimulation?

Several studies have shown that exercise, including cycling, makes us smarter.  In a study designed to determine the effects of lunch and dinner on the performance of school children, it was accidentally discovered that walking or cycling to school had more positive impact on academics.  (I am resisting a digression here about kids on throttled e-bikes and scooters.)

Research has shown exercise to be more effective in preventing age-related cognitive decline than doing crossword puzzles or other mind-stimulating activities. (I wonder if a crossword puzzle with a cycling theme would be better?)

A study from UCLA found that senior citizens who exercised regularly had 5% more grey matter (which is different from grey hair) in their brains than those who did not ride a bike, reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.  And it doesn’t take much to benefit from exercise.  Moderate intensity a few times a week will do it.

There have been patients whose severe depression has all but disappeared after they started cycling (“smile moments” are a real thing!).  Cycling increases chemicals in your brain that make you feel peaceful and calm.  The focus required to operate a bicycle can be a powerful medicine.  ADHD children show improved symptoms after cycling.

Subjects who performed the complex coordinated actions required for cycling did better on tests than subjects who did similar aerobic, but less complex exercises.  Cycling can change the structure of the brain, too. A Parkinson’s patient participated on a multi-day ride on the back of a tandem to raise awareness of the disease.  To everyone’s surprise, the patient showed significant improvement by the end of the ride. Cycling, and cycling harder, improves one’s motor abilities. That’s why I feel so superior after climbing Baxter Grade.

Cycling isn’t just good for our brain.  We all know cycling can boost blood flow to joints, improve flexibility and strength, and cut the risk of further joint damage.  But cycling has an added benefit:  Its smooth, repetitive action thickens cartilage in the knees, ankle and hip joints.  Unlike jogging, tennis, etc., biking won’t wear down our joints.

Einstein said he thought of his theory of relativity while riding his bicycle.  I usually think about what I’m going to have for lunch.