cycling stats

* A 200-pound cyclist burns 546 calories while going 12 miles per hour-almost the equivalent of a Big Mac®.

* The Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health said, "Physical activity of the type that improves cardiovascular endurance [such as cycling] reduces the risk of developing or dying from cardiovascular disease, hypertension, colon cancer, and type 2 diabetes and improves mental health. Findings are suggestive that endurance-type physical activity [such as cycling] may reduce the risk of developing obesity, osteoporosis, and depression and may improve psychological well-being and quality of life."

* According to the National Sporting Goods Association, consumers bought 18.5 million bicycles in 2003.

* Some 42.5 million Americans ride bicycles, according to the National Sporting Goods Association’s 2000 study. This is more than the numbers that participate in other leading sports (29.4 million basketball players, 27.5 million golfers, 22.5 million runners, 13.2 million soccer players, 11.2 million tennis players, and 7.7 million downhill skiers).

Information pulled from the League of American Bicyclists' web site.