Senior adults are rediscovering the joys of bicycling, which can enhance both physical and mental health as we age. As a result, Baby Boomers are riding bikes in record numbers.The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2021 served to accelerate trends already in place and encourage even more people of all ages to get outdoors for fresh air and exercise, including cycling. Show
In this article, we’re going to help you select the best, senior-friendly bike style for you, and the bike accessories you need to get started and ride safely. There’s never been a better time to get out and start riding, regardless of your age. Here are some reasons:
Cycling in America’s largest retirement communityMark Hall, left, owner of Village Cycles. Mark Hall, who along with his wife Windy own Village Cycles in The Villages, said 80 percent of his sales are to seniors, so he is knowledgable as to why seniors ride and what they look for in bikes. “Cycling is a really interesting thing,” Hall said during a recent visit to one of his two stores in The Villages. “Once you tap into it and start riding and you begin to measure everything the bike experience can do for you — physically, mentally, emotionally — it’s priceless. It betters our lifestyle, we feel better and have more energy, our outlook is better, it’s a stress reliever, and of course, we’re taking care of our body through riding the bike.” Hall said bicycling is an ideal activity for most senior adults, especially those suffering from joint pain that may prevent them from doing other forms of exercise. “Many of our customers have knee trouble and need low-impact exercise. Cycling is one of the best things, along with swimming, that they can do.” How to Select a Senior-Friendly BikeThe joy of bike riding we Baby Boomers experience today may be similar to what we felt as children or young adults, but as we are all well aware, our bodies have changed. The bike you rode back then is probably not the same type of bicycle you need today. Fortunately, bike manufacturers have responded with new bikes that have features better suited to more mature adults. Even if you have balance issues, there are bikes you can ride. Here are tips on selecting the right bike for you:
See related story on the best bike trails in Florida, a great state for riding.Best Bikes for SeniorsWhile some of the more athletically inclinded or thrill-seeking senior adults will favor performance-oriented road bikes or mountain bikes, most of us at this age want a bicycle that is comfortable and easy to use. Here are some popular types of bikes to consider. Cruiser bikes: Also known as “comfort bikes,” cruisers put riders in a more upright position, not bent over the handlebars. They feature wider, cushioned seats that are easier on aging bodies. Cruiser bikes also have wider tires that improve control, balance and ride. This is the most popular style bike for Baby Boomers. Cruiser bikes will typically include hand brakes and a selection of three or more gears, which makes riding up hills easier. While the standard, full-size 26-inch bike size is suitable for most adults, those of shorter stature may want to ask about 24-inch or even 20-inch bikes. Test ride various sizes and models before choosing the one that’s best for you. A cruiser bike is the most comfortable style for many senior riders. Photo thanks to Village Cycles, Florida. Step-through bikes: This isn’t so much a type of bike as it is a design
feature. Most step-through bikes are also cruiser bikes. While traditional bikes feature a high frame bar that the rider must swing his or her leg over to mount, step-through bikes make it easy to get on or off the bike. Due to hip or lower-back issues, step-through bikes are favored by many seniors, both men and women. In the old days, you might have thought of these frame styles as “boys” and “girls” bikes, but step-through bikes are gender neutral and popular with both men and women.
Step-through bikes are considered safer for senior riders. Many accidents happen while riders are trying to mount or dismount from their bikes; step-through bikes eliminate this problem. An e-bike with step-through design and cruiser styling. Photo thanks to Pedego Electric Bikes, Oviedo, Florida. Foldable e-bikes: An increasingly popular bike style for senior adults is the 20-inch foldable electric bike. These smaller bikes are especially popular with RV owners because of how portable they are. They fit easily in the back of an SUV or minivan; no bike rack is required. While the smaller tires might make pedaling harder on a traditional bike, on an e-bike you won’t notice any difference. Plus, smaller bikes can be safer, especially for shorter riders, and easier to maneuver. Some of these bikes feature wider (three to four inch) tires that provide a smoother ride and allow you to pedal through sand and dirt. These are called “fat tire” bikes. Smaller 20-inch foldable e-bikes are easy for seniors to ride and transport. Adult trikes: Adding a third wheel to a bicycle makes it possible for almost anyone to ride it, even those who never learned how to ride a standard bike or who have since developed balance issues. This style of bike has been around for more than a century. They are popular within 55+ communities, on bike trails, and for running errands. Since these trikes are heavy and have a third wheel, most models are slower than regular bikes and not well suited for riding up hills. While that’s true with traditional trikes, a newer version called the e-trike gives extra power to adult trikes, allowing you to ride further and ascend hills with ease. This is a traditional style adult trike. Photo thanks to Village Cycles, Florida. In recent years, manufacturers have introduced innovative trike designs, some of which are sleeker, more lightweight, and faster, while retaining the ease of use of traditional adult trikes. If you are interested in a trike, try several models to find the one that best suits your needs. Some trikes feature a sleeker design and comfortable back support. Photo thanks to Village Cycles, Florida. Recumbents: Like adult trikes, recumbents have three wheels, but that is where the similarity ends. Recumbents sport a sleek design, with a riding position that is lower to the ground, and can cruise at speeds similar to regular bikes. Both adult trikes and recumbents have comfortable seats with good back and hip support. Some recumbents fold, making them easier to transport to trails. Recumbent trikes such as this one from Catrike provide good back and hip support. Some models are foldable. Don’t Forget Safety AccessoriesBefore riding your bike, be sure you have the safety accessories you need. The most important of these is a bike helmet. Don’t let the relatively low speed of a bicycle fool you. Serious head injuries can occur in cycling accidents. Always, always wear a helmet when riding a bike. It is your head and brain’s best protection. If you need more convincing, read this article for some sobering facts about bike accidents. A left-side mirror is another helpful safety accessory. Frankly, they should be standard issue on all new bikes. A mirror will allow you to see who is behind you and who is passing you. Mirrors may be mounted on the bike handlebars (most common) or included with helmets. If you plan to ride on trails or city streets, you definitely need a mirror. If you are going to ride for longer distances, you may want brackets on your bike for carrying a water bottle and your cellphone. Do not hold drinks, phones, packages or anything else in your hands while riding. You’re not 14 anymore; you need both hands on the handlebars. Likewise, if you plan to run errands or shop with your bike, make sure you have baskets or bags large enough to hold these items. Do not carry them in your hands. Bikes are unfortunately easy targets for thieves. Always lock your bike, even if just stepping into a gas station or restaurant. Invest in one or two good-quality locks. Ask your local bike shop for recommendations. At home, don’t leave your bike parked on a carport or driveway unless it is locked. If possible, store it away where it is out of sight, especially at night and when you are not at home. Footwear is also important for safe cycling, but you don’t need special cycling shoes. Wear sneakers or other closed-toe shoes when bicycling, never flip flops or barefoot. Make sure shoelaces are out of the way of the chain. If you plan to ride after dark (it’s better not to do so), you will want to wear reflectors on your clothing and be sure the bike’s lights (front and rear) are in good working order. Read our related article: Bike Safety Tips for SeniorsRediscover the Joy of CyclingBicycling is something I’ve enjoyed most of my life. As a child blessed to grow up in a simpler, less crime-ridden era, I explored city streets and parks on my bike with abandon, riding many miles from home for hours at a time. Later, when Kathy and I got married, we bought each other matching Raleigh touring bikes for wedding presents. Today, as a senior citizen, I am riding more than at any time since childhood and loving it. It’s a great activity that keeps you outdoors, exercising, and exploring new adventures. If you haven’t ridden a bike in many years, let me encourage you to give it a try. Check with your doctor if you’re not sure you are healthy enough for cycling. Even if you never learned how to ride a bike in your youth, many bike shops, senior centers, or bike organizations offer coaching or classes that can help you learn to ride. There’s a lot of truth to the old saying that once you learn to ride a bike, you never forget. When you get back on a bike again and start pedaling, you will rediscover the thrill and exhilaration of riding you once enjoyed as a child or young adul See related story about the joys and benefits of walkingWant to Learn More?Try these resources for more great information about bicycling: Rails to Trails Conservancy The League of American Bicyclists AARP: Bicycles Aren’t Just for Kids LovingtheBike.com (blog) People for Bikes (Note: This story originally appeared on May 15, 2019, and has been updated to reflect the latest information.) Are you a senior adult who rides a bike? Tell us about your experience and what you enjoy most about cycling. Add your comment below. Thank you for sharing! Note to readers: Some of the links on thisretirementlife.com are affiliate links from which we receive a small commission from sales of certain items, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate marketing programs, we earn from qualifying purchases. These commissions help support this blog so we can continue providing timely and useful information about living life to the fullest during the retirement years. See the full disclosure statement here. Love this story? Sign up below to receive future blog post from This Retirement Life, sent to your email box, free of charge. Is 70 too old to start cycling?The truth is, bikes are perfectly safe for seniors and there are many examples to prove this. A recent survey in the United States shows that seniors make up nearly 30% of new riders in recent years. 31% of all registrations for biking events were by seniors aged over 55.
How long should seniors ride a bike?Regular exercise has been shown to dramatically increase blood flow to the brain for the elderly. Just 30 minutes of cycling on a regular basis has been shown to have significant cognitive benefits, especially for memory and learning.
Is cycling good for over 65s?It helps keep your heart, lungs, and brain healthy and your muscles strong. Many older people turn to cycling as a healthy, stimulating activity.
Is riding a bike good for seniors?Among these activities, bicycling has gained popularity among the elderly patients. Benefits include strengthening muscle groups used in maintaining balance and strength (ie, quadriceps), enjoyment, autonomy, and improved cardiovascular function.
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