It is hard to imagine a better way for seniors to keep fit and active than cycling. It’s fun, healthy, inexpensive and best of all, it’s low impact. With a properly fitted bicycle and a few items of safety gear, older adults can experience the joys of being independently mobile, active and engaged with their neighborhoods through cycling.

More seniors than ever are riding bicycles and enjoying physical activity later in life. As the baby boomer generation comes of age, their desire to develop an ongoing fitness-oriented lifestyle is common. Cycling meets many needs at once by providing a means for transportation, recreation, or a great aerobic workout. 

Many riding clubs are friendly to seniors, providing opportunities for community through organized group rides at varying skill levels throughout the week.

For seniors who may be just starting out with cycling, it is important to make a few extra considerations for safety and well-being:

• Talk to your physician before cycling if you are beginning to ride or have not been cycling for some time.
• If you are purchasing a bicycle, take extra care to have it properly fitted.
• Check the operating condition of any hearing or vision aids you use to ensure that you are fully aware of your surroundings while riding.
• Always wear a properly fitted helmet. Gloves and knee pads may be useful to reduce your risk of injury.

For more information, please visit the following links: 

A guide for cycling seniors

An article about seniors and cycling clubs

Thoughts on bicycle helmets for seniors

Bicycle Club Resources:

In Marin – http://www.marincyclists.com/
In the Bay Area - http://www.gwbr.org/clublink.htm