Bicycling is one of the most environmentally friendly, healthy, and cost-effective methods of transportation around. We debunk cycling myths that often unsettle both experienced cyclists and beginners. Fact is that cycling is good for your health, so you will be in your best shape for the next round of the National Casino.
Sustainable, cheap, fast and easy:
What’s wrong with cycling? Unfortunately, there are a number of myths surrounding the bicycle as a means of transportation that may discourage you or others from using it. We present seven of the misconceptions and explain how it really is.
Important:
Of course, not everyone are physically able to ride a bike. People with limited mobility, for example, often rely on a car for flexibility in getting around. However, people who are able to ride a bicycle should by no means let false information discourage them from doing so.
OUR LIST
Myth 1: Cycling is harmful to male potency
A common cycling myth states that men can become impotent from cycling.
This is a common cycling myth. Bicycling forums often discuss whether prolonged cycling can cause erectile dysfunction, mainly due to the pressure of sitting on a narrow saddle.
According to Harvard Health, this could actually happen. However, before the pressure could damage nerves and arteries in the penis or thus trigger erectile dysfunction, those affected feel numbness, after which they can react in time. The risk also appears to be low: a 2014 survey of 5300 cyclists found no clear link, according to Harvard Health.
For those who are still concerned, a wider, padded saddle or a higher handlebar position could be possible solutions, as could switching to a recumbent bike.
Myth 2: You need expensive cycling clothes.
While special cycling clothing can offer benefits such as better breathability and visibility, it is by no means essential. You can bike in your regular street clothes as long as they are safe and comfortable. However, always make sure you have a good bike helmet.
Only if you want to cycle in difficult conditions, for example in snow or on unsafe terrain, is special equipment necessary. Then, for example, cycling gloves for the winter or a high-visibility vest may be worthwhile.
Myth 3: Cyclists:inside should always ride counterclockwise
In Germany and many other countries, traffic on roads and cycle paths is regulated so that vehicles, including bicycles, travel on the right-hand side of the carriageway. This means that cyclists:inside should generally ride in the same direction that general road traffic is flowing. For example, if you ride up and down the same street over and over again, you are riding down it counterclockwise, so to speak.
It is important to note, however, that there are exceptions to this rule, such as on certain one-way streets or on a traffic circle with bike lanes in both directions.
Myth 4: Speed limits do not apply to bicycles
Even on a bike, you can’t just go as fast as you can everywhere.
It’s true that the law doesn’t specify a maximum speed limit for cyclists:inside. But you have to keep to local speed limits, such as in a traffic-calmed area or a 30-mph zone, even when you’re on a bike. You can read more about this in our guide: Does the speed limit actually apply to bicycles?
Myth 5: Cyclists must always use the bike lane
In this situation, you would have to use the bike lane and would not be allowed to ride on the road.
The Highway Code states that “There is only an obligation to use bike lanes in the respective direction of travel if this is ordered by sign 237, 240 or 241.” These are the signs that indicate a bike-only path, a separated pedestrian and bike path, or a divided path. If it is a divided path, cyclists must use it, but of course at the same time pay strict attention to pedestrians.
