5 reasons why cycling protects against corona

The bicycle as self-protection according to virologists

The best way to distance yourself socially in traffic is in the car or on the bicycle. Cycling has a clear advantage. It protects you from the virus in many ways. Virologists who specialise in the corona virus also see bicycles as the perfect self-protection. Stronger, they even recommend using a bicycle. People can and should decide for the bicycle. Cycling instead of using public transport. This could reduce the risk of infection. This is also how the german paper “Der Spiegel” report.  

1. You automatically keep your distance

The advantage of cycling is that you automatically keep a distance of 1.5 metres. But cyclists do not only automatically keep their distance to others, they also have a lower risk of getting infected because they touch fewer surfaces. Our Van Raam tricycles already offer more distance to each other than a two-wheeled bike, due tothe two wheels in the back.

We also thought of the Fun2Go duo bike. Becausae how can you keep your distance if you cycle with two people next to each other? Keeping a distance is difficult, which is why Van Raam created a physical barrier between the driver and the co-driver. Read more in the article 'Fun2Go duo bike with protection screen in times of corona'.

2. No infection as in a public transport

People who avoid buses and trains reduce the risk of infection because the corona virus is mainly transmitted byadroplet infection over short distances, explained Michael Barczok, pneumologist from Ulm and member of the German Federal Association of Pneumologists, Sleep and Respiratory Medicine. The pathogen can survive on surfaces for a long time and may still be transmissible and contagious. Every touch in public transport therefore carries a fundamental risk. Caution: This also applies to traffic light buttons. In the further part of this article we will deal with questions such as "Can I still press the button at the traffic light? 
The lung disease specialist rates the chance of inhaling the corona virus on a bicycle as 'zero'
 

3. Cycling provides preventive protection

Cycling has another meaning in times of the lung disease corona, it can also have a preventive effect. If you cycle regularly, even if it is only comfortable, it strengthens your immune system. Now that the gyms have closed their doors, cycling is an excellent alternative for athletes and people who still want or need to exercise. 

4. Cycling strengthens the lungs

According to Michael Barczok, people suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at particularly high risk of being exposed to the corona virus. This is why lung training is especially important during this time. Read more about cycling with COP in our article 'Cycling with COPD lung condition‘. But cycling can also have a positive effect on people without previous illness. Since endurance sports such as cycling basically train the lung muscles. When cycling rhythmically, the respiratory system is also well ventilated and blood circulation is improved. "You breathe more intensively, which means you clean your lungs well. And this is optimal in terms of virus protection," says Barczok: "The bicycle is a sensible means of transport, especially now, for this reason too. 

5. Cycling strengthens the cardiovascular system

People who suffer from diabetes and cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension should also move, advises the pneumologist Barczok. Regardless of age, these conditions are among the underlying diseases that increase the risk of a more severe course of Covid-19. This is what the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) writes on its website.
(Source: Nieuwsfiets.nu, Der Spiegel)    

Read even more reasons why cycling is healthy in our article "10 reasons why cycling is healthy".  

Riding an adapted bicycle

If you can no longer ride a normal two-wheeled bike, but you still want to go outside during this time, then a specially adapted bike may be something for you . At Van Raam we have various models of special bikes, such as tricycles, wheelchair bikes, side by side tandems, transport bikes, and Scooter bike. Take a look at our range of adapted bicycles below.