25 Quotes on the Joy of Cycling We Can All Use Right Now

We could all use a little extra positivity in our mornings, perhaps more so this morning, and what better way to find it than through the joy of cycling? Whether you’re an avid cyclist or someone who simply appreciates the freedom and happiness a bike brings, these quotes celebrate the simple yet profound pleasures of life on two wheels. Let these words of wisdom, humor, and inspiration remind you to embrace the simple joys and mental freedom cycling can offer.

25 Inspiring Cycling Quotes for a Happier Life

1. “Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bike.” — John F. Kennedy, former US President
2. “Life is like riding a bicycle. In order to keep your balance, you must keep moving.” — Albert Einstein, physicist
3. “You are one ride away from a good mood.” — Sarah Bentley, British cyclist
4. “When my legs hurt, I say: ‘Shut up legs! Do what I tell you to do!’” — Jens Voigt, German cyclist
5. “As long as I breathe, I attack.” — Bernard Hinault, French cyclist
6. “When man invented the bicycle, he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
7. “The bicycle is the most civilized conveyance known to man. Other forms of transport grow daily more nightmarish. Only the bicycle remains pure in heart.” — Iris Murdoch, Irish author
8. “A bicycle ride around the world begins with a single pedal stroke.” — Scott Stoll, US author and cyclist
9. “Melancholy is incompatible with bicycling.” — James E. Starrs, US book editor
10. “It never gets easier, you just get faster.” — Greg LeMond, US cyclist
11. “Cyclists see considerably more of this beautiful world than any other class of citizens. A good bicycle, well applied, will cure most ills this flesh is heir to.” — Dr. K.K. Doty, 19th-century cycling advocate
12. “Bicycling is a big part of the future. It has to be. There’s something wrong with a society that drives a car to workout in a gym.” — Bill Nye, US scientist
13. “Learn to ride a bicycle. You will not regret it if you live.” — Mark Twain, US author
14. “The bicycle is just as good company as most husbands and, when it gets old and shabby, a woman can dispose of it and get a new one without shocking the entire community.” — Ann Strong, US author
15. “Truly, the bicycle is the most influential piece of product design ever.” — Hugh Pearman, British author
16. “Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach a man to cycle and he will realize fishing is stupid and boring.” — Desmond Tutu, South African cleric
17. “Don’t buy upgrades, ride up grades.” — Eddy Merckx, Belgian pro racer
18. “If you do something right the first time, then it’s not hard enough.” — Danny MacAskill, Scottish trials rider
19. “One of the most important days of my life was when I learned to ride a bicycle.” — Michael Palin, British actor and comedian
20. “Riding a bike is everything to a cyclist. The friendship and camaraderie you have with other cyclists… to a cyclist, it was the be-all and end-all of your life.” — Tommy Godwin, English long-distance cyclist
21. “The best rides are the ones where you bite off much more than you can chew and live through it.” — Doug Bradbury, MTB pioneer
22. “Whoever invented the bicycle deserves the thanks of humanity.” — Lord Charles Beresford, British MP
23. “When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking.” — Arthur Conan Doyle, British author
24. “Think of bicycles as rideable art that can just about save the world.” — Grant Petersen, bicycle designer
25. “Whenever I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the human race.” — H.G. Wells, English author

Mental Health Benefits and the Joy of Cycling

Cycling is not just a form of exercise; it’s a pathway to mental well-being. Research shows that regular cycling can help reduce stress, boost mood, and improve overall mental health. The rhythmic movement, the fresh air, and the sense of adventure create a unique blend of relaxation and exhilaration that can soothe a busy mind. So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, take these words to heart and remember: when in doubt, pedal it out.