Wellness 4 the Whole You

This article discusses the polution problem that is happening in many countries, including the United States. The air quality has gotten so bad that bicyclists will receive payment for the mileage that is put on their bicycle on the way to and from work. Some companies are monitoring mileage by an app for the bikes, some are offering bicycle purchases, and others are giving tax break incentives. Some cities such as Washington D.C. are supplying showers, bicycle repairs, and secure locations to park bikes. Many cities are improving and adding bicycle lanes on the roadways so that driving is safe (Beuker, 2016).

Several cities are mandating certain days of the week that motor vehicle use is banned. The pollution has become so severe that cities are trying to be creative and provide incentives for the population to use the two wheels for transportation instead of the four wheels that add pollution to the air. The convenience of a car may be a hard habit to break but the urgency to provide clean air to all populations should have been addressed many years ago (Beuker, 2016) There are health benefits beyond pollution control when choosing cycling as an alternative form of transportation. Heart health, muscular strength, and happiness comes from excercise. Wellness programs should be promoted outside of work and inside of work wellness programs. A connection between home and work life can be the bicycle.

On a person note, I gave up my vehicle almost two years ago and ride my bike as long as weather is permitting. I enjoy it immensely. It's a good time to enjoy the outdoors. When riding in a car we miss out on so much of our own environment. The birds in flocks, the deer grazing in a pasture, the sounds of a neighborhood as I drive past, and the beauty of the sky, the wind on my face, and sun shining brightly on my skin. Time becomes valuable and cherished. With each day there is a new experience. Each day I say hello to someone I have never met and others that do as I do. On days that the weather is fighting wth my adventures, I ride public transportation. It is inexpensive for a daily pass. I am not contributing to pollution, I am not purchasing gasoline or spending astronomical money on repairs or up keep on a vehicle, and I dont have to clean it either! My adult kids think that I have lost mind but they also thought that I went totally bonkers when I chose to go to college. What do they know anyhow? To me, I am happy with both decisions because I am making the world a better place: on a personal and professional level.

Tammy Martin

Beuker, J., (2016). Plaid Zebra. Milan Will Pay You to Bike to Work Instead of Using a Car. Retrieved on 3/8/2016 from: http://www.theplaidzebra.com/milan-will-pay-you-to-bike-to-work-instead-of-using-a-car/