Walking and Biking

Steps to a Healthier Cleveland promotes all kinds of physical activity—especially walking and biking because they are easy and inexpensive ways to get moving! Here are some of the programs we offer Clevelanders:

Benefits of Walking

Walking is an excellent way to be active and even lose weight. You can do it almost anywhere and you don’t need any special equipment. And you’ve been doing it for years!Here are some of the top benefits of walking:

  • Burns almost as many calories as jogging
  • Eases back pain
  • Slims your waist
  • Is easier on your joints than some other exercises
  • Strengthens your bones
  • Can be done in short bouts
  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Can be done with family and friends
  • Shapes your legs and butt
  • Requires no equipment
  • Cuts cholesterol
  • Costs nothing
  • Can be done when you're traveling
  • Reduces your risk of heart disease, diabetes and more

Riding a Bike. . . Safely

Riding a bike is another great way to be physically active—not to mention a terrific way to get where you need to go. To get the most benefit from riding a bike, however, you must follow some basic bicycle safety rules:

  • Wear a helmet at all times.
  • Ride in the same direction as the traffic, not against it. Ride in a line if riding with others, not side-by-side.
  • Ride to the right of the street and stay visible to vehicles on the road.
  • Respect traffic signals. Stop at all stop signs and red lights.
  • Look left. Look right. Look left again before entering or crossing a street.
  • Before turning left, look back and allow any traffic coming from behind to pass first.
  • Wear reflective or light colored clothing and use bike lights if riding in the dark.
  • Check bicycle brakes before riding and inflate tires properly.

Choosing and Wearing a Bike Helmet

You should always wear a bicycle helmet when riding a bike, no matter where you are or how short of a distance you are riding. Most bicycle accidents involve an injury to head—sometimes resulting in brain damage or even death. In fact, each year in the United States, about half a million kids are seriously injured in bicycle-related accidents, and most of those injuries could have been avoided if a helmet was worn.

Here are some tips for making sure you have the proper helmet and that you are wearing it correctly:

  • Make sure your helmet has a sticker that says it meets standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
  • Always wear a bike helmet—even for short rides.
  • Pick a bright colored helmet so you are very visible to drivers.
  • Make sure your helmet isn’t too big or too small.
  • Wear your helmet centered on the top of your head. It should cover your forehead. Don’t tip your helmet backward so your forehead shows.
  • Always fasten your helmet’s straps and make sure they fit snugly under your chin.