Why you should take up cycling in Perth
Cycling is a fantastic way to increase your cardiovascular fitness, not to mention it’s an amazing way to see your city. Perth has so many great cycling tracks that are suitable for beginners and experienced cyclists.
Let’s take a look at some of the best cycling trails in Perth, so you know where to go next time you feel like hopping on your bike and exploring!
The 7 best cycling tracks in Perth
1. The Lake Monger Loop
Lake Monger is an easy five kilometres from the Perth CBD. It offers a stunning ride along the Lake Monger shoreline. It’s easy for a midday weekend ride with the kids or a lunchtime power ride to work up a sweat. It has shared paths with pedestrians so may not be the speediest ride on the weekend. But it’s still a lovely, leisurely outing.
2. West Coast Highway
The West Coast Highway is one of a number of cycleways that connect Fremantle to Hillarys. It is the perfect way to watch the sun set over the coast (if you begin your trip mid-afternoon). Pack a picnic and take in the salty breeze of the Indian Ocean on this super chill ride.
3. Fremantle to Point Walter
The Fremantle to Point Walter cycleway starts at Freo station and then takes you on a leisurely 8.4 kilometre spin around the southern end of the reserve. The Point Walter Spit gives you the perfect opportunity to dip your toes in the sea to cool off.
4. Railway Reserves Heritage Trail
This cycle through the Perth Hills is full of some amazing wildlife, flora and some seriously fresh air. A longer ride, this 41 kilometre loop takes you through Perth’s national parks, giving you the opportunity to stop at one of the region’s wineries. What a delicious way to fuel up!
5. Swan Valley Heritage Cycle Trail
The West Swan Road actually has three different cycleways to choose from, all of them rich with history and beautiful sites. The routes are 4 kilometres, 30 kilometres and 32 kilometres, so you can take your pick. All of them pass through wineries, microbreweries, fruit stalls, galleries, cafes and even a chocolate factory!
6. Kings Park
Kings Park is an absolute classic for seeing the incredibly scenic panoramic beauty of Perth. There are so many cycle paths in this park to pick from. This park is one of the largest urban pockets of Australian bushland on earth – what a treat! Definitely bring the kids to this one for a fun and active day out.
7. Three Bridges Loop in Swan River
The Three Bridges Loop is a 43 kilometre ride that we definitely recommend you take on in the morning, so you can watch the fantastic sunrise from the Canning Bridge. It can get really busy on this trail at the weekend, so we reckon this is one for the school holidays or one of those rare weekdays off.
Health benefits of cycling
Cycling is an aerobic activity, so it’s great for your cardiovascular health as it works your lungs, heart and blood vessels. It’s an awesome way to improve your overall fitness levels and see some amazing scenery while you’re at it.
Besides being fun, cheap and good for the environment, cycling is also great for all ages and fitness levels, and works well for those with issues like arthritis or low muscle tone. Cycling is also a great exercise to factor into your daily routine, as it obviously also provides a method of transport. It’s estimated that a billion people ride bicycles every day for sport, transport and recreation!
Some of the many health benefits of regular cycling include:
- Increased cardiovascular fitness
- Increased muscle strength and flexibility
- Improved joint mobility
- Decreased stress levels
- Improved posture and coordination
- Strengthened bones
- Decreased body fat levels
- Prevention of general disease
- Reduced anxiety or depression
Regularly riding a bike can also help you sleep better. Even though you’ll be getting up earlier to pump out that ride before work, studies show that you’ll be falling asleep much quicker when your head hits the pillow. Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine asked sedentary insomnia sufferers to cycle for 20 to 30 minutes everyday. At the end of the study, they were falling asleep in half the original time and they were sleeping for an hour longer!
Getting on your bike in Perth
Perth really is one of the best cities in Australia for cycle enthusiasts, as well as for those who are just starting out in the sport. With beautiful pathways and stunning parks, there’s a myriad of choices for your Sunday (or weekday) rides.
If you’re wanting to increase your overall fitness, why not talk to Bailey Fitness about getting started on your health journey? Get in touch with our expert team today.
