Carly Crawford rides for her mental health.
The busy mum and adviser at mental health charity Beyond Blue fell in love with her bike during Covid and hasn't looked back.
"I've always had an interest, but it became more of a passion during Covid when movement was restricted," Crawford recalled.
"I started cycling a lot then, using the bike to commute into the office whenever we could go in, and I've maintained it ever since.
"These days I like riding to work because as a working mum, getting the commute and the exercise all in one is fantastically efficient — but I also just ride because the feel-good factor is hard to resist."
That 'feel-good factor' should be far from an afterthought, research shows.
According to data from Beyond Blue’s 2024 Mental Health and Wellbeing Check, nearly half of all adults in Australia have recently experienced anxiety and depression symptoms and two in five have been diagnosed with a mental health condition.
"Riding is a great mood boost," said Crawford. "It's hard not to come off the bike and feel great, and there's a substantial amount of evidence that shows exercise in general is one of the best things we can do for mental health."
Beyond Blue has seen that for most people, exercise brings a sense of clarity, focus and improved concentration, and regular exercise can significantly reduce stress.
Plus, riding alongside others can provide the mental health benefits of social activity and being outdoors.
"There's a great sense of shared experience and shared interests, whether you're riding with a regular buddy and talking about your lives, or working towards a shared goal in a training group or even just catching up with other cyclists on the road and getting a coffee," Crawford said.
"And if you've got a flat, someone will usually stop and help you out, which is lovely."
In Beyond Blue's 2024 Mental Health and Wellbeing Check, 77% of respondents used exercise and 72% used time in nature to support their mental wellbeing.
It's clear that riding a bike can do a lot to improve mood, making it a great choice for mental health as well as physical health.
This year, United Energy Around the Bay participants can choose to fundraise for Beyond Blue. All money raised will go towards Beyond Blue's free 24/7 support service, which takes one phone call every two minutes from someone in need. The service has seen a 12% increase in demand over the past year.
"Every dollar counts," said Crawford. "It means we can support more people in a moment when they really need support. That's a great cause."
Beyond Blue’s free, confidential support service is available 24/7 on 1300 22 4636 or via webchat at beyondblue.org.au/get-support.
Carly Crawford with her bike.
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