How Cycling Has Helped With My Parkinson’s

How Cycling Has Helped With My Parkinson’s

The short version: Cycling keeps me mobile with Parkinson’s. It reduces stiffness, lets me commute when driving isn’t safe, and gives me back speed and control in a body that can be unpredictable.

I’ve been bike‑mad since I was 14, first tearing around the Mourne Mountains, later crashing (and laughing) my way through Rotorua’s Redwoods, and now weaving through Auckland traffic on a bright blue Dutch e‑bike with pink floral panniers. Bikes have always meant freedom.

When end‑stage heart failure narrowed my world, the bike stayed. Now, with Parkinson’s making my right leg unreliable and my licence surrendered (the sporty red Alfa went to my son, Conor), the bike still works.

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How Cycling Benefits My Life With Parkinson’s

• Loosens me up: rhythmic pedalling reduces stiffness and gets me moving.
• Reliable transport: e‑bike assist means I can keep a steady cadence even on bad days.
• Energy management: it’s practical cardio without hammering my joints.
• Headspace: ten minutes on a bike clears the mental clutter.

There’s decent evidence backing what many of us feel: regular, moderate‑to‑vigorous aerobic work (including cycling) improves motor symptoms in Parkinson’s; some programmes use higher cadence (“forced rate”) cycling and report measurable gains on motor scales. (Start with Parkinson’s Foundation and Cleveland Clinic summaries; if you like digging, see the forced‑exercise and CYCLE trial papers.) Parkinson's FoundationCleveland ClinicPubMedPMC

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How I make it doable (and safe)

• Step‑through frame, upright position, wide tyres, flat pedals.
• Day‑bright lights on every ride (hi-vis for extra visibility).
• Cadence sensor + bell (Auckland traffic is… Auckland traffic).
• Pre‑ride check: meds on board, water, and a simple route home.
• If balance is off: a short lap near home.

(Speak to your clinician or physio before starting or changing exercise—especially post‑transplant or if you’ve had recent falls.)

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Where I ride in Auckland

Auckland Transport’s cycle network is growing; protected lanes and shared paths help me thread daily errands without a car. If you’re local, their cycle network page and route maps are a good starting point. Auckland Transport

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How Cycling Has Helped With My Parkinson’s (The science in plain English)

• Aerobic exercise matters: consistent cardio supports mobility, balance and some non‑motor symptoms. Aim for ~150 minutes a week if your team says it’s safe. Parkinson's Foundation
• Cadence helps: research groups (Cleveland Clinic, others) have tested higher‑cadence cycling and found improvements in motor scores in some participants. It’s not magic, but it can be useful. Cleveland ClinicPubMed

I’ll keep cycling, swimming and walking—not because it sounds virtuous, but because they keep me working, parenting and present.

Your turn: What everyday activity keeps you functional? Tell me—I genuinely want to know.

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FAQ

Q: Can you ride a bike with Parkinson’s?
A: Many people can, with the right setup and medical clearance. Start short, keep cadence steady, and consider an e‑bike for hills or bad symptom days. Parkinson's Foundation

Q: How often should I cycle?
A: If your clinician agrees, aim for moderate‑to‑vigorous aerobic exercise most days (e.g., 20–40 minutes). Consistency beats hero sessions. Parkinson's Foundation

Q. How has cycling helped with my Parkinson’s symptoms?
A. Cycling can reduce stiffness, improve mobility, and support safer daily movement, making it a practical exercise for people living with Parkinson’s.

Q. Can e-bike cycling help with Parkinson’s disease?
A. Yes. E-bikes allow people with Parkinson’s to keep active with less strain, offering safer commuting and consistent exercise benefits.

Q. What are the benefits of cycling for Parkinson’s compared to other exercises?
A. Cycling helps with balance, coordination, and muscle flexibility, while being easier on joints than high-impact activities like running.

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