Do you remember how, back in the day, the school bell rang and you couldn’t wait to get home and jump on your pedal bike so you could chase your friends around the neighbourhood?Flash forward - you probably spend most of your time sitting behind a desk, in a car seat or on your couch (we work a lot, it’s okay to be tired).Have you forgotten all about those carefree moments between the school bell ringing and your mom calling you in for dinner? Want to remember? You need to get back behind the wheel.Don’t scoff - pedal bikes aren’t just for children and Lance Armstrong anymore. In many major metropolitan cities across the world, pedal biking is more than just a weekend hobby - it’s a lifestyle, a culture, a movement!You may have heard - or if you’ve ever driven in Toronto, experienced first hand - there’s a bit of a rivalry between bike riders and car drivers. What can we say? Everyone thinks they own the road. The rules and regulations are constantly up for debate, but one thing to keep in mind when cycling is that sticking to the rules of the road - just like you would on a motorised bike - will keep everyone safe and happy.But you want to know what isn’t up for debate? The benefits of the cycle lifestyle.Go greenerWhile the prices of gas continue to soar, exploring alternative methods of getting around only makes sense. Even if you swap your keys for bike shorts just one day a week, guaranteed within a year you’ll notice there’s a little more money in the “you” fund.If more people pledged to go by cycle more often, it would reduce the amount of vehicular traffic clogging up our narrow streets.And consider this: according to a 2009 Green Paper drawn up by the Government, our “tiny Island” ranks 15th in the world in per capita carbon emissions by a country. That’s more than Britain. It’s almost unthinkable. If that’s not enough to convince you to leave the car in park for a day, what is?Go healthierWhy walk when you can bike? That’s really where it’s at. Sure, doctor’s recommend women get regular walking in because the pounding action with each step helps to increase bone density (especially helpful in post-menopausal women). But if you already walk a lot, bike riding is gentler on the joints.Doctor’s also recommend you get 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least three times a week. Must we detail the benefits of upping your activity? More energy, longevity, you’ll look younger... The list is endless.An unexpected benefit that not too many countries share cycling in Bermuda takes the chore out of exercising. Get out into nature, take the opportunity to explore the Island we take for granted. When was the last time you listened to birds or the sound of the surf crashing against the rocks?What’s more, lots of people across the world have decided to revamp their morning/evening commute by taking a cycle to work rather than getting stuck in boring traffic. Many politicians, including the late Canadian New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton preferred cycling to the office over being driven by his government appointed car (our politicians should take note; you CAN make a difference if you lead by example).Go trendierWhen it comes to what’s en vogue, we’d never recommend you run out and participate, because that’s just lame. But in this case, we’ll readjust our stance.Cycling in 2011 isn’t perfunctory or utilitarian. It really is a lifestyle that has developed eclectic sub-cultures with fans ranging from all walks of life.Hardcore roadsters lean towards the flashier, decked out frames with massive handlebars; hipsters tend to favour “fixies” (in normal language, that’s fixed gear, meaning no coasting action) in pastel colours with banana seats and baskets; moms and dads can strap specially designed trailers on the back to cart their kids along wherever they go.If you’re worried you’ll have to slip into something a little more spandex, forget about it. It’s not uncommon in cities to see a man in a suit or a woman in a skirt and heels blow past. Aside from a panty flash here and there, no one has to wear those revealing riding togs anymore (unless of course… that’s what you’re into).Seriously though, you don’t have to take our word for it we could tout the wonders of cycling until the cows come home, but until you hit the pavement and get from here to there under your own power, you’ll never cross to the other side.And hey, don’t be embarrassed if it’s been awhile. Remember... it’s just like riding a bike.