Hanoi woman swaps motorbike for cycling 10km daily amazed after a year

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Hanoi woman swaps motorbike for cycling 10km daily amazed after a year

The “crazy” cycling activity, as her mother called it, helped Phuong Ly transform from a frail “walking skeleton” to a stunning makeover.

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A study abroad journey sparked an incredible transformation

Hanoi woman swaps motorbike for cycling 10km daily amazed after a year

“Are you crazy? Don’t you have anything better to do?” Ly’s mother strongly objected when she first mentioned cycling to work. Phuong Ly (25), an office worker in Hanoi, understood her mother’s reaction.

Since childhood, Ly had been weak and frequently sick, often called a “walking skeleton.” Her health only improved when she went to Singapore for her studies. People mainly used public transport there, and she had to walk about 5km daily, spending 45 minutes to an hour commuting between home, school, and her part-time job.

At first, the daily walking exhausted her, but she noticed fewer illnesses over time. “Maybe because I was moving more, my body felt stronger, and I even gained 5kg—a dream for someone who struggles to put on weight,” she shared.

However, after returning to Vietnam, she resumed commuting 10km to work by motorbike. “Sitting at a desk for eight hours a day and barely moving made me feel sluggish. I started getting sick frequently again, which stressed me out.”

Remembering her experience abroad, Ly decided to switch to cycling.

At first, it was exhausting—her arms and legs ached. But after a month, she felt a clear improvement in her health. Seasonal weather changes no longer gave her headaches or fatigue.

Now, after more than a year of cycling, Ly is no longer frail. Her body is stronger, leaner, and more toned. Friends and family have praised her for her remarkable transformation.

When asked how people reacted to her persistence, Ly said, “My family now fully supports my decision to cycle. Even my mother, who once strongly opposed it, has come around. But what surprised me most was how I unintentionally inspired others to embrace a greener lifestyle. My parents even bought two bicycles for evening rides and exercise. I also started a cycling group with friends—we explore the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and, when feeling adventurous, even cycle to West Lake.”

The health benefits of cycling

A study published in the British Medical Journal involving 263,450 participants highlighted the significant health benefits of cycling.

Researchers from the University of Glasgow categorized participants into five commuting groups: car users, cyclists, walkers, those combining walking and public transport, and those combining cycling and public transport. They then tracked their health over five years.

Results showed that cyclists had a 41% lower risk of death from all causes compared to car users. They also had a 46% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 52% lower risk of death from it. Additionally, cycling commuters had a 45% lower risk of cancer and a 40% lower risk of cancer-related death.

The health benefits of cycling are well-documented.

A review of 300 studies confirmed cycling’s positive impact on heart health. It boosts “good” HDL cholesterol while reducing “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, lowering the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Cycling also helps reduce stress and anxiety, benefiting mental health. Moreover, increased blood flow to the brain enhances cognitive function.

Cycling: a global green living trend

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), transportation accounts for about one-fourth of global carbon emissions, making it the world’s second-largest source of carbon pollution.

Market research firm Statista reports that the global transport sector emits over 7 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highlights that fossil fuel-powered vehicles release CO₂ and other greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.

To cut emissions, replacing fuel-powered transport with eco-friendly options like bicycles is a sustainable solution.

Cycling has become a green lifestyle trend in countries like the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Norway, and Finland.

The Netherlands, known as the “land of bicycles,” stands out. With around 23 million bicycles—more than its population—cycling is a preferred mode of transport for both short and long distances. The country boasts about 680 bicycles per square kilometer, and 28% of all trips are made by bike.

The Dutch government has invested heavily in cycling infrastructure and policies. Many cities have bike-sharing programs, allowing both locals and tourists to rent bicycles (a model now available in Vietnam). Additionally, tax incentives encourage cycling to work.

Even former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte was once spotted cycling to his office, reinforcing the country’s strong cycling culture.

What if the world cycled together?

Not just theoretical—they are backed by science

The environmental benefits of cycling are not just theoretical—they are backed by science.

A study from the University of Southern Denmark, published in Communications Earth and Environment, found that the average Dutch citizen cycles about 2.6 km per day. If this habit were adopted globally, annual carbon emissions could be reduced by 686 million tons.

This reduction surpasses the total carbon emissions of several countries in 2016, including the UK (over 367 million tons), Canada (over 675 million tons), Saudi Arabia (around 517 million tons), and Australia (over 414 million tons), according to Worldometer data.

Switching from fuel-powered vehicles to bicycles is not just a way to stay healthy and prevent diseases—it is also a powerful solution for protecting the environment.