If youve ever met a bike enthusiast, chances a re youve heard them tell you that theres nothing like riding a motorcycle. While the thought may be terrifying for some, its thrilling yet calming for bikers.

A recent study commissioned by Australias ING revealed that, on average, motorcyclists are happier than the average motorist. The study uncovered the therapeutic potential of motorcycle riding, with 82 per cent of riders agreeing that riding makes them happy compared to only around 55 per cent of motorists.

A similar study by UCLAs Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior recorded brain activity and hormone levels before, during and after riding a bike, driving a car and resting. The bike ride resulted in a 28 per cent decrease in biomarkers of stress.

Heres why riding a bike can help your mental and even physical health:

Reduces stressGetting stuck in traffic has to be the reason why many of us hate getting out. So, logically, riding a bike reduces anxiety, simply because youre not going to be jammed in, well, at least not as badly as your friends on four wheels. This can reduce stress and can even ease anxiety levels.

Improves brain healthIts all eyes and ears on the road when youre riding a motorcycle. This sensory focus means that riders are more alert to what is going on around them, increasing brain activity. Riding a bike increases alertness thats similar to drinking a cup of coffee.

Riding a bike can be likened to doing a form of low-impact exercise. Apart from this, riding a bike also helps your posture and improves your core muscles over the long term. Also, dont discount the vitamin D intake.

Part of a communityRiding a bike offers the best of both worlds: Solo time and being part of a larger biking community. Most avid motorcyclists are part of a larger community and this can boost happiness levels and improve mental health.

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Highway healing: Motorcycle riders are happier and have less stress than most car owners, finds a study - Economic Times