In the September 7th installment of the Working Together blog, Community Action featured the story of Minneapolis-based activist and cyclist Anthony Taylor, in advance of our Slow Roll St. Paul community bike ride. Emerging in Detroit a decade ago, Slow Roll is a social justice movement established to “empower people to rediscover, reconnect and reimagine their communities together by bike,” while addressing widespread health disparities that exist in BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities.
Bike riding, along with many other modes of outdoor recreation, can be vital to the mental, emotional, and physical health of people of all ages. For example, regular outdoor activity can result in improved focus and better sleep, a longer lifespan, and a greater appreciation for and awareness of the natural environment. And, in addition to its status as a low-impact exercise, which reduces the level of stress on your joints and muscles, regular cycling can help you to:
- Enhance cardiovascular and aerobic fitness
- Increase strength, stamina, and flexibility
- Promote good posture and coordination
- Nurture healthy weight management and increase metabolism
- Decrease stress and anxiety
- Help to prevent and manage diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis
- Improve the environment as a alternative method of transportation and…
- Foster strong social and community bonds
For more information on the benefits of regular physical activity, please visit mayoclinic.org. And, to learn more about the Slow Roll movement in the Twin Cities, check out the Slow Roll MPLS on Facebook.
