The anti-spandex social club: In praise of slow biking

In a world where speed often reigns supreme, even when it comes to cycling, there’s a quiet revolution happening on the streets of cities worldwide: the rise of slow biking.

Let’s face it, opening the pages of any newsstand bicycle magazine, and one is greeted with an overwhelming number of spandex-laden athletes with a need for speed. Bicycle shops are overrun with the latest and greatest bicycles where every gram is counted and a bag of gold is needed every year to keep up. But does it have to be that way? Well, long story short, no!

Far removed from the adrenaline-fueled world of competitive cycling, slow biking is an art form in itself—an ode to leisure, mindfulness, and the simple pleasure of moving at your own pace and connecting with fellow bicyclists.

Here are just a few reasons why embracing slow biking can change your life.

More Comfortable Rides

All that speed comes at a price, and top of the list is comfort following closely by convenience. When dedicated to slow biking, or just taking your time, it is easy to prioritise comfort. Want a big springy seat that weights a few extra pounds but offers so much comfort? Go for it. In addition, find a bicycle that fits well, has an upright riding position to maximise comfort over aerodynamics and takes the stress and weight off the arms.

Connection with Your Surroundings

When you’re not rushing from point A to point B, you have the opportunity to truly soak in the sights, sounds, and smells of your city. There are a countless opportunities to come across something that puts a smile on your face that never would have seen speeding past at breakneck speed, let alone in a car. Slow biking allows you to connect with your surroundings in a way that’s impossible when you’re speeding past in a car or on a fast-paced bike ride.

Reduced Stress

The gentle rhythm of pedaling at a leisurely pace has a calming effect on the mind. Slow biking gives you the chance to unwind and leave the stresses of the day behind, promoting mental well-being and relaxation. It also allows one to pay closer attention to what’s happening on the streets, which also helps put the mind at ease.

“Cycling is one of the most effective treatments for stress and in many cases has been proven to be as effective as medication – if not more so,” Neil Shah of the Stress Management Society, told Bike Radar.

Improved Physical Health

While slow biking may not get your heart racing like a high-intensity workout, it still provides excellent low-impact exercise. Regularly incorporating slow biking into your routine can help improve cardiovascular health, build muscle strength, and increase flexibility.

Cycling in Ljubljana (photo: Mankica Kranjec/ Nea Culpa)

Environmental Benefits

By opting for human-powered transportation over gas-guzzling vehicles, slow bikers are doing their part to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. Choosing to bike instead of drive also helps to alleviate traffic congestion and air pollution in urban areas.

CyclingUK says, “Cycling is one of the simplest lifestyle choices that most individuals can make to reduce their carbon footprint, and it offers huge benefits for health, the economy, air quality and neighbourhoods too.”

Cost-Effective Transportation

Forget about expensive gym memberships or monthly parking fees—slow biking is a cost-effective way to get around town. Once you’ve invested in a reliable bike and some basic safety gear, the ongoing expenses are minimal. Get creative and add some fun bling to your bike to match your personality. It’s a great way conversation starter for fellow bicyclists. Now that you’re biking slow, throw on some racks and baskets and stop and do some shopping along the way. There is nothing better than spotting a fruit stand and picking up some snacks for home and just putting it in that front basket.

Oh the Freedom

There’s something liberating about gliding through city streets on two wheels, unhindered by traffic jams or parking restrictions. Slow biking gives you the freedom to explore your city on your own terms, following your curiosity and whims wherever they may lead, take the path less traveled and see where it leads.

Connection with Community

In a world that often feels increasingly disconnected, slow biking offers a chance to forge genuine connections with your fellow city dwellers. Whether it’s exchanging smiles with pedestrians, chatting with other cyclists at stoplights, or supporting local businesses along your route, biking at a leisurely pace fosters a sense of community and belonging.

There is a reason why events such as Detroit’s legendary Slow Roll were so successful: People have fun riding bicycles no matter the speed, and when biking slow it is easy to have conversations and meet new people especially on community rides. Contact your local cycling organization or find some key local bicyclists online to find out about events in your area.

Mindfulness Practice

Just as meditation encourages you to be present in the moment, slow biking invites you to fully engage with the here and now. As you pedal along at a relaxed pace, focus on the sensation of your breath, the feeling of the wind against your skin, and the rhythmic movement of your legs. This mindful awareness can bring a profound sense of peace and clarity to your daily life.

Ultimately, embracing the art of slow biking can lead to a deeper transformation, both internally and externally. By prioritizing presence over speed, simplicity over complexity, and connection over isolation, you’ll find yourself living a richer, more fulfilling life—one pedal stroke at a time.

In a world that often seems to value speed and efficiency above all else, slow biking offers a welcome antidote—an invitation to slow down, savor the journey, and rediscover the joy of moving through the world at a human pace. So grab your bike, take a deep breath, and pedal forth into a world of possibility. Who knows what wonders await you on the open road?