Extolling the benefits of motorcycling during Mental Health Awareness Week
The easing of lockdown and the rise in temperatures should provide a big mental health boost to riders venturing out this summer after a tough winter.
Everyone has a reason for why they took up motorcycling.
Whereas owning a car is a rite of passage for a lot of the UK population, owning a motorcycle is often considered that bit more evocative… a case where the heart can usually win over the head.
Of course there were those that choose PTWs as the sensible options, perhaps as a delivery person or commuting congested routes most days, but for the most part motorcycles are to be enjoyed by their owner.
As such, we aren’t surprised when studies call upon the mental house boost riders receive from the physical work out they receive, to the sensory exposure to the elements, as well as perhaps a welcoming solo feeling when riding coupled with the social community feeling it exudes
Nor is it surprising that motorcyclists are less stressed and more fulfilled than their four-wheeled counterparts.
In August 2020, the Australian division of global banking and insurance company ING, published a study revealing motorcyclists are generally much happier than the average car driver.
The study showed 82% of motorcyclists agreeing that riding makes them happy, compared with only around 55% of motorists. Crucially, more than half of the riders surveyed said the positive mental health effects of riding was the main reason for their choosing to ride a motorcycle.
"MCIA knows the sense of community amongst motorcyclists is strong, there are many locations where both friends who have yet to meet" read a press release honouring the occasion. "Old mates can get together to enjoy the company, the atmosphere and of course the journey. Rider meet ups offer an excellent counter to social isolation, itself a contributor to poor mental health."
