In fact, bicycling is a low-impact cardiovascular workout with numerous health benefits. Bicyclists can burn an average of 400 - 700 calories every hour. Bicycling builds muscle strength, reduces stress and improves cholesterol. It’s a great way to socialize or to spend important time with family. And it is pollution free.

Because of the multitude of choices available today, Wells says it is important to fit the bike not only to you but to your lifestyle as well. “A good bike shop will ask you a lot of qualifying questions about where, when and how you’ll be riding,” Wells says.

Distance, frequency, weather, speed, and the surface you plan to ride on are all important considerations when buying your next bike.

Choose a bike that is sized to fit your frame, and take into consideration your age and agility. Bikes with handlebar breaks, for example, may not be the best choice for older riders who are losing some of the strength and dexterity in their hands.

If you’re a mature rider, you may remember the road bikes that became popular in the 1970s, then known as “10-speeds” because of the 10 gears. Road bikes are built for speed - and today they have many more gears. They have skinny, smooth, high-pressure tires, narrow seats and low-drop handlebars that result in a hunched-over position of the rider. They are efficient and enable determined riders to reach speeds of 16-20 miles an hour. But the low handlebars can create back and neck strain for extended commutes.

Commuter bikes are an emerging category in bike designs. Considered the workhorses of the biking world, they have been popular in Europe and Asia for decades and are just now gaining popularity in the U.S. With this style, the rider is upright, stable and comfortable. These bikes can be equipped with fenders and racks and include chain guards to protect clothing from both grease and possible fray.

Mountain bikes are designed for off-road riding. They have fat, knobby tires that traverse over roots, rocks and through mud with ease. These bikes have upright handlebars that are easy to maneuver on rough terrain and are very stable and comfortable. But they are inefficient on pavement.

Lifestyle bikes - sometimes called comfort bikes - are made for comfort. They have upright handlebars, wide tires, plenty of gears, suspension seat posts and wide seats.

Wells says there are a number of specialty bikes also available, including mountain/road hybrids, tandems and recumbent bikes.

“Quality bicycles come in sizes and it is important to have your bike sized properly for you,” Wells says, adding that most adult bikes come in as many as nine different sizes and that department stores that don’t specialize in bikes may not offer as many size options. After the selection, the bike seat and handlebars should be further adjusted to the new owner.

Unlike cars, bicycles don’t require refueling or even regular oil changes, but they do require regular maintenance.

“Bikes are mechanical,” Wells says. “Things go out of adjustment and tire pressure should be checked every week or every other week. Lubricating the bike is also important.”

And don’t forget bike safety. Bikes should be equipped with reflectors and riders should wear bright or otherwise visible clothing. The rider should always wear a helmet and ensure the bike is in the proper gear. And bicyclists and drivers can help reduce accidents by following basic safety procedures.

Many traffic laws that apply to operating a motor vehicle also apply to bicyclists. With bicycling rights come bicycling responsibilities. Most bike/car accidents are avoidable. More than half are caused by a bicyclist or driver failing to adhere to traffic laws. For bicyclists, the most common infractions are: failing to yield the right of way when required, running stop signs and stoplights, crossing the road unexpectedly, and riding against traffic.