To get fit, live longer, and think better: ride a bike!

If the nice spring weather doesn't make you want to get out and ride your bike, think of what bicycling can do for you. It's good for your heart, wallet, stress level, waist line, sex life, and muscle tone. It could save your life.

Bicycling could reduce the obesity epidemic, which results in 300,000 premature deaths each year. The American Cancer Society says obesity increases the risk of cancer.

* It's convenient. Over 22 percent of motor vehicle trips are less than one mile long. Half of the working population commutes five miles or less.

* In addition to helping you lose weight, bicycling can reduce stress and increase feelings of well-being. It increases the body's release of endorphins.

* Bicycling may be able to reduce the impact of aging on the brain say doctors at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

To feel good and get healthy, ride a bike. Ride a bike to work!

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