It’s a near-universal childhood memory — pedaling as fast as you could and coasting with the wind on your face. This scene plays out on country roads, mountain trails and beaches across South Carolina. National Bike Month every May is the perfect time to recapture that magic by taking a bicycle for a spin, whether you want to start biking for recreation, sport or transportation.  

There are a lot of benefits to riding a bike. It’s good for your health. It is easy on joints, good for your heart and helpful in building muscle. It improves posture and balance. It is an easy workout for beginners and helps with managing chronic conditions. Pedaling on a bike is also good for your bones.    

Besides being good for your physical health, riding a bike is good for your mental health. It eases feelings of depression, anxiety and stress. It is also good for the environment. The benefits are numerous. 

“I try to carve out time to bike every day because it’s not just good for fitness; it’s also good for mental clarity,” says Blake Gibbons, a sophomore at the University of South Carolina who rides Blue Bikes often around campus. 

Gibbons has been riding a bike since childhood but has become more serious about cycling since he started riding a Blue Bike to class. 

“I think it’s the ideal way to discover the city,” he says. “If you’re walking around, you can get tired pretty fast. Or if you’re in a car, you might not be able to get to all the places you want. In a car, your eyes are always on the road. The bike is the perfect option to explore your surroundings in a comfortable manner.” 

He has found Blue Bikes to be a great way to enjoy his hobby without having to cart his own bike from one side of town to another. His favorite places to ride right now are Riverfront Park and around campus on the historic Horseshoe. You can find more Blue Bike locations on the Blue Bike South Carolina website.  

Would you like to start cycling but aren’t sure where to begin? The old adage — it’s like riding a bike — is true, Gibbons says. You might find that hopping back on a bike after years isn’t impossible. Find a quiet park or stretch where you can practice. 

“You shouldn’t have anxiety over how long it has been since you’ve biked. I hadn’t biked in a few years, and as soon as I got ‘back in the pedals,’ it just came naturally,” he says. 

When you are getting started, make sure you take the proper safety precautions. Wear a helmet and follow the rules and regulations for cyclists if you are on a road. When wearing a helmet, make sure you have the proper fit. Wear clothing that makes you visible to others. 

Gibbons recommends testing your bike before going out, knowing how to use the brakes and planning your route so you know where you are going. 

Consider joining a biking group to get started, find support and connect with resources. Some local groups host rides, which can be safer. 

“I remember biking down the Lincoln Street tunnel and feeling the wind in my face and looking around at the city. Truthfully, it is a pleasure to bike,” Gibbons says.