Cycling helps to preserve memory

At first glance, it might seem like the benefits are simply due to physical activity. But cycling is more than just exercise. It involves balance, coordination, focus, and constant adaptation to your surroundings. In other words, it engages not just the body — but the brain, too.

The researchers followed nearly half a million people in the UK. Participants were asked about their usual modes of transportation, and then tracked for over 13 years. No one was asked to change their lifestyle or start exercising — they simply continued moving through life as they normally did. But those who regularly used a bicycle — even in combination with other transport — showed the best results in preserving cognitive health.

Even brain scans backed it up: cyclists had a larger hippocampus — the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning. That means cycling not only lowers the risk of cognitive decline but may literally help the brain stay younger.

There was one exception. People with a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s — specifically carriers of the APOE E4 gene variant — seemed to benefit less from cycling compared to those without that risk. Still, even in this group, moving was better than staying sedentary.

Geriatrician Dr. Liron Sinvani, commenting on the study, put it this way: “This isn’t just about sports. It’s a way of life. Choosing a bike instead of a car — that’s where the power lies. It’s about living actively, not just exercising.”

And if you don’t own a bike? Walking works too. The key is not to stay still. The more you move, the better your chances of staying mentally sharp and physically healthy for years to come.

So if you’ve been thinking about trying a bike ride, maybe now’s the time to head to the rental shop. Your brain will thank you.