Riding a bike is an ideal form of exercise if you have osteoarthritis, because it is a low-impact exercise that places little stress on joints. Cycling does not specifically help osteoporosis (bone-thinning disease) because it is not a weight-bearing exercise. Mental illness and cycling Mental health conditions such as depression, stress and anxiety can be reduced by regular bike riding. If you’re trying to lose weight, cycling must be combined with a healthy eating plan. Cycling is a comfortable form of exercise and you can change the time and intensity – it can be built up slowly and varied to suit you. Research suggests you should be burning at least 8,400 kilojoules (about 2,000 calories) a week through exercise. Some evidence suggests that regular cycling reduces the risk of breast cancer. Diabetes and cycling The rate of type 2 diabetes is increasing and is a serious public health concern. Steady cycling burns about 1,200 kilojoules (about 300 calories) per hour. If you cyc...