There’s nothing like riding a bike on a clear, sunny day in Berkeley. The Bay is full of trails, on which you can ride your bike and experience the beauty of the regional landscape. Biking is an activity that can improve your cardiovascular health and help you feel good. Beyond health and fitness, here are some reasons you should consider biking on a regular basis.

Students in the Educational Opportunity Program get free bike rentals from Bay Wheels

If you’re in Berkeley this year and qualify as a low-income EOP student, you have access to a free Bay Wheels bike rental membership. For $0 a month, you can get unlimited 60-minute classic bike rentals. For those out of town, many cities offer services similar to Bay Wheels for a relatively low cost.

Bay Wheels has bike stands all over Berkeley

Access is a plus for the Bay Wheels bikes. There are plenty all over Berkeley, so if you need to make a trip to the grocery store, consider renting a bike. Also, you won’t have to worry about the bike or its tires being stolen because once you dock the bike, it is no longer your responsibility, and the company handles incidentals.

Hang with your friends without getting too close 

It’s hard to find fun things to do with your friends during the COVID-19 pandemic, but biking is one activity you can safely try. Challenge some friends to ride Berkeley’s trails. The Ohlone Greenway is a beautiful trail that can take you from Berkeley to El Cerrito. Or, if you’re adventurous, create your own paths together.

See the coast, Treasure Island or the Berkeley Hills 

For those of us lucky enough to live in the beautiful Bay Area, there are many eye-catching places we have the fortune of traveling to. Take the Bay Trail from the Berkeley Marina either up to Richmond or down to Emeryville. If you have the energy, take the trail from Emeryville to the Bay Bridge and into Treasure Island. Or, if you want a booty-burning ride, consider traveling through the Berkeley Hills on your bike and see the city from above.

Clear your head

Living through COVID-19 is quite stressful, and we must take and make the extra time to care for our well-being. Long rides, breathtaking views and the excitement of exercise might be just what you need to cope with the anxieties of today.

When you choose to ride a bike, it doesn’t have to be all about getting or staying fit. By cycling to hang with friends or clear your head, you can make or dedicate the time to take care of yourself!