More and more people are hopping on their bikes.

But what do you do when your knees start to give out, when running becomes impossible, and even walking is tough?

It seems the answer at the moment is you jump on a bike.More and more people are taking up cycling every year. Be it for commuting or fitness, cycling is in the middle of a boom.Kingston Council last month approved a 12-month trial, which will see parking banned from 6-10am on Saturdays and Sundays along Beach Rd, allowing the lycra-clad enthusiasts free rein.

So why are people taking up cycling?Bicycle Victoria's Garry Brennan says: "The sport part of bike riding has been solid for several years, but what is really accelerating is riding for transportation - riding to work, school, university, the movies and so on.

"People can get fit and at the same time avoid the misery of driving, as well as the crowds on public transport."

Bicycle Victoria's membership has been climbing rapidly in recent years and is now pushing 45,000. That's the size of a big AFL club. Our members are active and have a lot of influence."

Brennan also pointed to the enormous growth of participation in Bicycle Victoria's Around the Bay in a Day ride. In 1998, 4351 people took part; last year that number had risen to 15,615.

Comments:

Cycling is getting more popular in Australia. People cycle to excercise and as a mean of transport to reach their destination. Thus, cycling is really beneficial as it can kill two birds with one stone. Furthermore, scientists say that a day of half an hour's exercise three times a week is no more enough to sustain our more sedentary lifestyle nowadays. In fact, we should exercise everyday for half an hour. Therefore, cycling has gained its popularity as more and more people wish to lead a healthier lifestyles.

Since cycling is quite common in Australia and I am going to fly over to Australia to continue my studies, I should pay more attention to this matter. Though I haven't seen the so-called " cycling lifestyle" in Australia, I look forward to it. It is because cycling can reduce the volume of traffic. As a result, less air pollution occur, creating a fresher and cleaner environment. Indirectly, our mood may be positively influenced and we can live happily everyday! As Ken's Law states, happy mood equals healthy lifestyle and greater life.