Today residents of Greater Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire begin day one of an additional six-week stint in stage three lockdown.
We know if we do the right things, follow the guidelines, stay home and keep physical distancing that we’ll be back riding together soon.
However, that doesn’t make COVID-19 lockdown 2.0 any less stressful for many people who are worried about the impact on their physical and mental health.
When it comes to managing physical and mental health, there is no doubt the two are linked.
There are many ways in which exercise can positively influence your mental health.
Countless studies show that people who exercise regularly have better mental health, resilience, self-esteem and emotional wellbeing. Regardless of your age, getting active on a daily basis has been shown to also reduce stress while boosting levels of concentration, alertness, and general feelings of positivity.
Lucky for us, going for a bike ride outdoors is proven mood booster. Nothing beats the fun, wind-in-your-hair feeling and sense of freedom riding a bike gives you.
Riding your bike outdoors is still permitted and a great and safe way to get the daily dose of activity you need to stay happy and healthy, while maintaining physical distancing. Under the current restrictions you can ride with one other person or members of your household.
See the current restrictions here - Can I still ride my bike outdoors?
Recently, Melbourne has been blessed with crisp, cool and sunny winter days. Don’t let these go to waste – get pedalling for your daily dose of exercise. Set yourself a goal to make riding a bike or walking a regular feature of your everyday in isolation. Even if it is only for 10 or 15 minutes to start. Getting your body moving each day is better than not at all.
We bet that your local community has many paths, roads and trails that you haven’t ridden yet.
If you’re new to riding or just getting back on the bike, join our People who ride bikes Melbourne group on Facebook to ask questions and chat with people just like yourself. Or check out and share our ‘New to riding’ website for more tips on getting started.
While we can't be together, we're here with you, to support you in any way we can. We can't wait to see the paths and trails filled with happy and healthy people of all ages and abilities riding bikes once again.
The next six weeks are going to be tough but it won't be forever if we do the right thing. Stay positive, stay safe and stay home.
Ride on Melbourne 🚴
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