Reuters recently wrote about new research on the benefits of “green exercise.” Apparently just five minutes is all need, which is good news for bike commuters.
Researchers from the University of Essex found that as little as five minutes of a “green activity” such as walking, gardening, cycling or farming can boost mood and self esteem.
“We believe that there would be a large potential benefit to individuals, society and to the costs of the health service if all groups of people were to self-medicate more with green exercise,” Barton said in a statement about the study, which was published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.
Many studies have shown that outdoor exercise can reduce the risk of mental illness and improve a sense of well-being, but Jules Pretty and Jo Barton, who led this study, said that until now no one knew how much time needed to be spent on green exercise for the benefits to show.
And don’t forget to mark your calendars. Bike to Work day in Detroit is May 21st. You can start from Royal Oak, Grosse Pointe or Dearborn. All rides head to Campus Maritius.
The Henry Ford has been uploading archived footage from their collection to YouTube. Their most recent upload was from the 1940 New York World’s Fair. It shows their “Road of Tomorrow” which looks more like an elevated expressway, though the cars are going quite slowly. Ford was certainly pitching the idea of more car-only roads.
This is the same World’s Fair where GM unveiled Futurama, a more elaborate model for highways in America.
GM also documented their exhibit through this gem from Jam Handy:
All three earned the entry-level Bronze status for Engineering, while Lansing also got a Bronze in Education.
There are now six recognized Bicycle Friendly Communities in Michigan. Sadly enough, none are in Macomb, Oakland, or Wayne Counties.
However, it’s expected the city of Detroit will apply within the year given the recent Bikes Belong/REI Bicycle Friendly Community grant. The city of Ferndale had applied years ago but did not receive an award or honorable mention.
Since cheetah-shoes don’t exist yet, bicycles remain the best way to tour a city. Dust off your sightseeing muscles for today’s Groupon: for $15, you get your choice of bike tour and bike rental with Wheelhouse Detroit (a $35 value). Conveniently located at Rivard Plaza on the Detroit RiverWalk, Wheelhouse has been featured in the New York Times and was voted a top cycle shop in Detroit by CityVoters. This Groupon is only valid for tours and bike rentals that cost $35 total.
Reuters recently wrote about new research on the benefits of “green exercise.” Apparently just five minutes is all need, which is good news for bike commuters.