Sometimes the healthiest thing you can do isn't signing up for another workout class.
Sometimes it's simply showing up for a bike ride.
I was reminded of that recently while joining a Metro Bike Share community ride along the Slauson Rail to Rail Pathway. It was a Taco Tuesday, But on Bikes. We rode together through South Los Angeles, meeting neighbors, waving to people along the route, and celebrating a space designed for people—not just cars.
Yes, we were getting exercise.
But by the end of the ride, it felt like we'd gained something much bigger.
Wellness Is More Than Physical Fitness
When we think about health, it's easy to focus on numbers—steps walked, calories burned, heart rate, miles ridden.
Those things certainly matter.
But wellness also includes feeling connected, experiencing joy, reducing stress, and spending time outdoors.
That's exactly what community rides naturally encourage.
As we pedaled together, conversations started effortlessly. Riders encouraged one another on small hills, shared stories about neighborhoods they loved, and celebrated reaching each stop along the pathway.
Nobody was worried about being the fastest cyclist.
The goal was simply to enjoy the ride together.
A rail to rail ride along Slauson brought together members of South LA and surrounding communities. | photo: AROUNDwithTK
Why Riding Together Feels Different
I've gone on plenty of solo bike rides, and they have their own benefits.
Community rides offer something unique.
There's something reassuring about moving through the city alongside dozens of other people. Streets that might feel intimidating alone suddenly feel welcoming. New conversations happen organically. You realize just how many people share an interest in exploring Los Angeles by bike.
Researchers have increasingly recognized this social side of cycling. Beyond physical activity, riding with others can strengthen social connections, reduce feelings of isolation, and foster a greater sense of belonging within a community.
That was easy to see during our ride.
People from different backgrounds and different parts of Los Angeles all came together because they wanted to spend a Saturday outside, moving through the city at a human pace.
South Los Angeles Deserves Spaces Like This
The Slauson Rail to Rail Pathway made the experience even more meaningful.
Having a safe, inviting place where people can walk, bike, run, roll, and simply gather creates opportunities for healthier lifestyles that extend far beyond exercise.
Families can ride together.
Children have safer places to learn.
Neighbors have another reason to spend time outdoors.
Communities have another public space to connect.
Health isn't created only inside hospitals or gyms.
It's also created through thoughtful public spaces that make healthy choices enjoyable and accessible.
Seeing so many people using the pathway reminded me that investments in active transportation are also investments in public health.
Fresh Air, Fresh Perspective
One of my favorite moments wasn't a specific landmark or photo opportunity.
It was simply looking around and seeing smiling faces.
People laughing while riding.
Neighbors cheering us on.
Children excited to see a long line of cyclists roll by.
Moments like these have a way of interrupting the stress that so many of us carry through our daily lives.
For a couple of hours, emails, errands, deadlines, and traffic faded into the background.
The only thing that mattered was the next turn in the path and the people riding beside us.
Movement Creates Momentum
There's growing research showing that active transportation supports both physical and mental well-being. Regular cycling has been linked with lower stress levels, improved mood, stronger social connections, and increased opportunities to spend time outdoors—all factors that contribute to overall wellness.
What's encouraging is that these benefits don't require intense athletic training.
A relaxed community ride counts.
A short ride to a local coffee shop counts.
Biking to meet friends instead of driving counts.
Every ride is an opportunity to care for your body while reconnecting with your city.
More Than Exercise
I've written before about how active transportation has improved my own mental health.
This ride reinforced that idea from a slightly different angle.
The greatest benefit wasn't the distance we covered.
It wasn't the calories burned.
It wasn't even getting to experience the beautiful new pathway.
It was the feeling of community.
Wellness isn't always something we accomplish alone.
Sometimes it's something we create together.
A healthy individual is connected with community and a healthy community connects healthy individuals. People + Community. We go together, real bad. | photo: AROUNDwithTK
That's what I experienced riding the Slauson Rail to Rail Pathway with a group of neighbors and fellow cyclists.
I left with strong legs, plenty of new photos, a full stomach and an even deeper appreciation for how movement, community, and thoughtfully designed public spaces can help us live healthier, happier lives—one ride at a time.
This post was written by my artificial assistant for filler content — I’m really a real rider though and a real writer. My name is TK and I’m always hopping AROUND these great United States and occasionally overseas. It’s rare when I don’t have an opinion about something going on in the world or haven’t dived down a rabbit hole regarding life’s purpose. To not further stress my friends and family, I yap here. Stick AROUND?