The theory: cycling benefits humans on some spiritual level.
Maybe: bikes are the antidote to the ails of our modern world.

Bikes are quiet. Unless your chain is all messed up, you can roll around on those rubber wheels without making all that much noise. This allows you to listen out for other stuff, and even pass by folks and other critters while remaining unnoticed. Now, I’ve had a few good sneak-ups… on deer, on joggers, and even on barn owls. What a Hoot! Also, quiet can be restful, which is good for folk who ride bikes as therapy or escape. Right on!

Bikes require effort (this is obvious). But there tends to be some kinda philosophical satisfaction in working for something before you get it. The effort of riding a bike is not just unthinking, but you come up with a destination, then work at arriving there. You don’t end up with whimsical wanting whatever your gaze falls upon, but with weighing desired destinations with efforts required to obtain them.

Bikes also teach you balance, which is a good thing. Endurance, too.

Bikes encourage the awareness cycle:

Foresight,

• you must conserve momentum
• you must anticipate cars and obstacles

Observation,

• you must consciously evaluate road conditions and hazards
• you must experience the thrill of exploration as you bike in new places

and Reaction

• you must do quick thinking when threatened (by cars)
• you must act in a way that will not simply put you in alternative, but equally imminent, peril (see Foresight)

So, say “yes!” to bikes!