While it's vital to respect social distancing laws and stay home as much as possible, isolation and extended periods indoors can also leave many people vulnerable to anxiety and depression.

One of the best things we can do to stay sane and healthy is to keep active, and bike riding is the perfect way to do just that.

Getting 30-60 minutes of physical activity each day can help bolster your immune system, but one of the best things about riding a bike is that it's great for mental health.

Cycling increases the levels of 'happy' chemicals in our brains such as serotonin and dopamine.

These help us to handle stress, improve our mood and reduce anxiety.

Many have likened cycling to mindfulness and meditation.

In its simplest form, mindfulness is about focusing on the present instead of dwelling on the past or becoming fixated on the future.

This happens when you're riding - constantly turning the pedals and becoming engaged with what you're doing.

It can lead to increased levels of focus and happiness which, in turn, can help sharpen problem-solving skills and creativity.

Riding a bike also helps better regulate hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline which enable us to respond to stressful situations more positively.

Numerous studies have shown that those who commute by bike are happier and less prone to depression than those who use other modes of transport.

People can experience the psychological benefits of cycling regardless of their physical health.

Studies have shown that cycling can improve self-perception and sense of self-worth in people suffering from mild depression.

The health benefits of cycling are so widely acknowledged that it's even being prescribed as an alternative to drugs.

In Wales, a growing effort from medical professionals to find alternatives to drugs for their patients has led to the development of a program, which began trialling in 2019, whereby doctors actively prescribe cycling for improved mental and physical health.

Perhaps it's not surprising that bikes are enjoying a boost in popularity at the moment.

Some of the largest cities in the world have seen a significant uptake in cycling over the past month as a result of the pandemic.

The New York Times has reported a 50 per cent increase in people cycling to work in New York, while Australian online bike retailer 99bikes has hired extra staff to keep up with surging demand.

The decrease in cars on our roads makes it safer to get out and give cycling a go.

Around the world, more and more cities are temporarily reallocating road space to people on foot and on bikes.

If you'd rather stay off the roads, we're lucky in Bendigo to have numerous off-road bike paths.

Head to www.bikebendigo.com for maps of some of the best locations to get out and about on your bike or on foot.

Feeling motivated but don't have a bike?

Bendigo has a number of fantastic local retailers who are able to sort out bikes for any budget, experience and skill level.

Now is more important than ever to support our local businesses and they'd be only too willing to help.