Mental Health Awareness Week: Slow cycling

Ben Mercer

This Mental Health Awareness Week, Ben Mercer at Leisure Lakes Bikes has put together a guide highlighting the benefits of slow cycling for your mental wellbeing.

Life is noisy. Deadlines stack up. Alarms buzz before you’re ready to wake and somewhere in between, we’re told to move faster, do more, achieve everything all at once.

However, cycling habits are slowing down, with 40% of all trips by bike in England made for leisure purposes - people aren’t just riding to get fitter or go places - they’re rediscovering the joy of a slower pace.

Riding slower isn’t about giving up, it’s about gaining something else entirely. Balance. Connection. The simple happiness of pedalling without pressure. You’re still moving but it’s not about numbers or performance. You notice things around you. Honestly, it’s a breath of fresh air.

Slow cycling doesn’t chase trends. It doesn’t need apps or fancy gear. It’s about stripping cycling back to its roots - a bike, the road, and the freedom to take your time.

Here’s a closer look at what makes slow cycling so rewarding - not just for your body, but your mind, too.

Scenery. When was the last time you really noticed what’s around you? Not the quick blur of trees or the vague shape of a building, but actual details.

When you ride slower the world stops feeling like a backdrop and starts looking like a painting. It flips your perspective and even cycling through your neighbourhood, the same streets you think you know can feel brand-new when you take your time.

Mindfulness. Pedal. Breathe. Look around. Repeat. Slow cycling helps you slip into a state some riders call 'active calm.' You’re neither standing still nor rushing. It feels pleasantly meditative.

There’s no number to hit, no pressure to reach the next landmark. Just you and the rhythm of pedalling. British Cycling found that even low-intensity cycling helps reduce stress and lower anxiety. In a world where constant notifications keep us wired, that’s priceless.

Movement without strain. Let’s not sugarcoat it, fast cycling can be rough. And if you’ve ever dealt with joint pain, the idea of hopping back on a bike can feel daunting.

But slow cycling? It’s different because its gentle and steady. Recent studies highlight how low-pressure cycling can actually improve joint mobility without causing strain. Think of it as a movement that works with your body instead of fighting against it.

Connection. Slowing down on a bike isn’t just about the scenery or the physical benefits. It’s about connection which can be both inward and outward. When you’re not rushing, you notice people, whether that’s a friendly nod to another cyclist or a quick hello to a dog walker. Little interactions like this can remind you the world is a friendly place and community exists.

When it comes to solo rides, they can feel different too. Slowing your pace gives your thoughts space to stretch. So, why not give it a go? Swap one high-intensity session for a slower ride, without any rushing or pressure, just the simple joy of riding a bike, one gentle pedal at a time.