Environment Transportation Warning! Riding a Bicycle Can Have the Following Side Effects By Trevor Reichman is a writer and musicain who wrote for Treehugger from 2004 to 2010. our editorial process Trevor Reichman Updated May 05, 2021 LightFieldStudios / Getty Images Share Twitter Pinterest Email Transportation Active Automotive Aviation Public Transportation If you are thinking about replacing a car trip with a bicycle trip instead, it is important to know the repercussions of that choice. Read further for 8 side effects that your doctor or bicycle salesman may not have told you about. 1) Weight Loss If you are trying to gain weight, then cycling might not be right for you. Cycling has been known to deplete calories stored in the body’s fat reserves, thus decreasing the gravitational pull on the affected body. 2) Slowed Breathing Those who cycle regularly have reported more time needed for each breath during both exertion and periods of rest. 3) Decreased Amounts of Stress Those who commute to work by bicycle have been observed to be void of hostility, which some claim is an important survival tool in today's world. 4) Punctuality Being able to navigate around traffic, take shortcuts through places where cars can't fit, and choose between both car AND bicycle infrastructure can often leave cyclists bored and twiddling their thumbs, waiting for the rest of their associates to show up at work or when meeting friends for lunch. 5) Caffeine-Free Mental Stimulation Those who cycle often attain natural alertness and thus are unable to justify a delicious morning cup of coffee. 6) Feelings of Invincibility Those who power their own commute often feel that they can accomplish anything. 7) It Can be a Gateway Activity Cycling can lead to the curiosity, exploration, and even a dependence on other natural, non-motorized activities. 8) Extreme Joy Regular cyclists often have trouble understanding road rage, and thus often get left out of the popular pastime. Too much smiling may also add laugh lines to the face.