ALEXANDRIA, La. (AP) - Cycling has become one of the country’s most popular activities and Central Louisiana is no exception to the trend.
According to a press release from the NPD Group, “Lifestyle/leisure bikes, which are more basic adult bicycles sold at prices under $200, grew by 203%; front suspension mountain bikes were up by more than 150%; and children’s bikes increased by 107% for the month.” That was in April.
With people stuck at home because of the pandemic, they are looking for things to do, said Ronnie Schwartz, who hosts free cycling group rides on Saturday mornings.
“We have lot of new riders that just bought bikes,” said Schwartz.
The group typically rides from Caroline Dormon Junior High in Woodworth because there isn’t a lot of traffic.
The group size varies from 7 to 21 cyclists.
“The cool thing is, I see people living in my neighborhood that I didn’t even know lived there,” he said. “People are getting outside more. It’s healthy.”
And cycling is an easy and fun activity families can do together, he added.
Schwartz is a fitness manager and personal trainer at the Louisiana Athletic Club. He is a runner who also hosts free running groups for beginners.
He has been cycling for the last 12 years and has ridden on and off while growing up. Cycling also allows him to recoup when he’s not running in the off season. The pandemic gave him the chance to pursue the sport more.
In addition to the cycling group, he also hosts a free running group for beginners. Some of those runners have joined the cycling group because it gives them a break from running.
Tami Banick is a runner and cyclist who has been riding with Schwartz’s group for about 10 years.
She recently got her husband Steve Banick and friend Helen Caletka into cycling.
Caletka is a member of LAC and recently took up cycling with Schwartz’s and Banick’s encouragement.
“I feel better since I’ve been doing it,” she said. Between running and cycling, she has lost weight.
“We’ve been utilizing bikes to get around town,” said Steve. “Whether it’s going to get something to eat or to enjoy the day.”
For more information on Schwartz’s group rides, visit the Facebook page Cenla Runners & More.
For information and tips on cycling, visit The League of American Bicyclists.
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