For Immediate Release:

Please contact:

Heather Easton, Environmental and Wellness Coordinator

Two Rivers Public Health Department

701 4^th Avenue, Suite 1

Holdrege, NE 68949

308-995-4778

1-888-669-7154

 

 

MAY IS NATIONAL BIKE MONTH

 

 

 

The bicycle is the vehicle of the future! It’s efficient, it’s economical, it’s healthy, it’s ecological, and it’s fun! Too often overlooked and underrated, the bicycle is the simplest and most fun way to get healthier while saving our environment and reconnecting with our community in a positive way.

 

More cycling instead of commuting by car means a smaller carbon footprint. Autos are the single largest source of U.S. air pollution. Short trips are up to three times more polluting per mile than long trips. When bicycling is substituted for short auto trips, 3.6 pounds per mile are saved from being transmitted into the atmosphere. 

 

Over 66% of the adult US population is overweight and 32% is categorized as obese, costing our nation $68 billion in health care and personal costs annually. In the Two Rivers District, 37.5 of adults are overweight and 25.9% are considered obese. Most children are driven to school by bus or car, and 18% of children in grades K-12 in the Two Rivers District are overweight.

 

Medical research has well established the fact that a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity three days a week can reduce the incidence of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension and improve mental health and cardio-vascular fitness.  Even if you ride at an easy pace, you will improve your fitness level and in a few months, you will be in better shape!

 

Bicycling is a great way to squeeze regular exercise into a hectic schedule! For more tips on bicycle commuting visit www.bikeleague.org or call Heather Easton at Two Rivers Public Health Department at (308) 995-4778 or 1-888-669-7154 or for additional information, see our website: www.tworiverspublichealth.com.