Pedal Power: Famous Faces Who Can’t Get Enough of Cycling
Cycling has become a popular way for celebrities to stay fit and healthy, and many have been vocal about their love for the sport.
From professional athletes to actors and musicians, these celebrities have been championing cycling in their fitness routines, influencing our fitness choices for 2023.
LeBron James inspiring young people to cycle
Professional athlete LeBron James is notorious for his love affair with cycling. He often shares photos of himself cycling on his social media accounts and is on a mission to inspire others, especially young people, to include cycling in their health routines.
In 2020, the famous basketball player partnered with rideshare company Lyft to provide free one-year Citi Bike memberships to 16 to 20-year-olds in the YMCA network.
“What a bike did for me was to be able to travel across the city with my friends, get from my home to school or get to basketball practices or football practices and be able just to travel, breathe the fresh air, be able to clear your mind at times… a segue to be able to do so many things that can also carry you for the rest of your life,” he told the kids.
In 2022, LeBron extended his love for bikes by making a significant investment in a bike brand.
Pippa Middleton – a bike racer in disguise
A royal example of how to keep fit with cycling is Pippa Middleton. Kate Middleton’s sister is enthusiastic about exercise, and cycling is a big part of her fitness routine. Although she doesn’t like being interviewed much, Pippa doesn’t shy away from talking about exercise with true passion.
Pippa said: “I grew up in the countryside, so being outdoors and involved in sport [is] in my blood.”
Although she’s had to deal with the difficulties of raising two children and keeping up with her self-care routine, Pippa has not given up on her love for being active: “Running and sport, in general, has been a constant light in my life,” she told Hoka One One.
The Royal has also participated in several sporting events, including an ultra-distance road cycling Race Across America (RAAM), which is known as “The World’s toughest bike race”.
Cycling is also a big part of Middleton’s daily life. Amidst the pandemic in 2020, she was spotted riding a road bike near her home in Chelsea, looking stylish in a brown military coat and leopard print trainers without jeopardising her safety. With a road bike helmet on, Pippa is advocating safe bicycle riding and inspiring future generations.
Dan Walker – “It’s an eco thing”
Former BBC Breakfast host Dan Walker, who made a spectacular appearance on Strictly Come Dancing, is a fervent cycling enthusiast.
He is reaping the physical benefits of cycling after the show. It motivated him to lose weight, and cycling was a big part of his fitness routine that the TV presenter has decided to keep.
Dan Walker is also seeing the benefits of cycling for the environment and how it’s bettering his daily commute.
“It’s an eco thing,” he told The Mirror. “I’ve worked in London and taxis are a nightmare, and I started to get around on the bike.
“I can go from Downing Street to St Pancras in about 15 minutes, and it’s about 30 minutes in a taxi, so although I feel like a bit of a geek sometimes, I’m very much enjoying it.”
Jeremy Vine documenting cycling around London
Another TV presenter who is vocal about his love for cycling is Jeremy Vine. The BBC Radio 2 DJ and Channel 5 host is bringing the tales of cycling around London to us through his Twitter posts and catchy headlines. With a camera attached to his helmet, Vine is dedicated to exposing dangerous driving or discussing the hot topic of cycling on his Jeremy Vine on 5 channel.
He is also known for owning a penny farthing which commemorates his love for all things cycling. The 56-inch front wheel makes him a true sensation on the streets of London.
Similar to Dan Walker, Jeremy Vine discovered the convenience of cycling via his frustration with the London Commute.
“For years I went around London in cars, trains, and taxis. When I started to cycle, it was like being able to fly – no such thing as a delay,” he told Cycling UK.
More and more celebrities are embracing cycling and including it in their daily routines. Whether it’s for fitness, environmental concerns, or simply for the joy of it, cycling is a great way to stay active and healthy.
From professional athletes to TV presenters, these celebrities are showing us that cycling can be fun, accessible, and beneficial for everyone. So why not put on your bike jersey and start exploring the world on two wheels?