National Bike Month Kicks-Off Friday

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Friday marks the start of National Bike Month. While environmentalists say riding on two wheels cuts down on emissions, there are other benefits, like your health. Doctors say heart disease, stroke and diabetes are taking the lives of more than 815,000 Americans each year. Cycling 20 miles a week can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 50 percent. The British Medical Associate conducted the study. If everyone swapped a car for a bike for just three miles or about 18 minutes a day, it can make a difference. -About 8,949 fewer South Carolina residents would die of heart disease each year. -Roughly 108 million less pounds of air pollution would go into our atmosphere nation-wide. -About 1.4 million adults living in South Carolina could slow or stop the progression of their obesity and related conditions. To learn more and download your free local beginner biking app visit mycitybikes.org.