Biking Does the Body Good

On May 4, senior cyclists donned helmets for the Biking Does the Body Good class taught through Trinity’s SALT program.

But they didn’t hit the bike trails until learning some important safety tips from guest instructor Steve Buchtel of the Active Transportation Alliance (ATA).

The class, the first of three, covered bike safety and maintenance. The entire course also provides guided tours of the surrounding forest preserves.

According to Buchtel, seniors can benefit greatly from cycling’s no-impact aerobic workout, although most seniors haven’t spent their adult years regularly riding bicycles.

“Seniors are choosing to be more physically active than at any other time in American history,” said Buchtel. “Partnering with SALT allows Active Trans to help seniors shake off rusty skills and set up their bikes comfortably so they can ride more often, more safely, and have more fun.”

The remaining two classes are scheduled for May 11 and 18. The May 11th ride starts at 119th Dr. & 76th Avenue in Palos Heights. On May 18, cyclists will be leaving from Cooper’s Hawk Woods (35th St. just east of Ridgeland) on the Tinley trail.