Last week, I finally decided to start riding my bike to class. Oh my gosh, guys... best decision ever. Here's why:

1. It's great exercise.

When you first start riding your bike to class instead of walking or driving, you'll notice that your legs hurt a lot more than normal. This will be especially noticeable if you have a hilly campus, like mine, Troy University. It's great strength training and cardio.

2. It's faster than walking.

3 minutes before class and you have to get across campus? No problem.

3. It's also not as hot and sweaty as walking.

That breeze will hit you every time you go downhill and it's like blasting the A/C in your car. Also, since it's faster you don't spend nearly as much time in the sun.

4. You don't have to worry about parking.

That's right, you don't have to show up to class 30 minutes early to scavenge for a parking spot. You can literally just lock your bike to a bike rack, nearby gate, or lamppost and you're good to go!

5. You can take the scenic route.

SInce it's faster, you don't need to take short cuts to class. You can ride down that downhill road that goes through the forest and still get to class on time.

6. You feel like you have your life together.

Having a bike makes you look prepared. I can't tell you how many times I've gone past a group of people on my bike and heard, "I should get a bike."

7. It's cheap.

You spend way less money on gas!

8. You don't have to buy a parking pass.

OK, I still have a parking pass because I live on campus, but if you don't live on campus and can commit to riding your bike every day, I don't see why you'd need one. You can just get a visitor's pass if you ever do need to drive to campus.

9. It reduces your risk of cancer.

Random, but it's 100% true. It seems like everything causes cancer these days, so thank God that there's something to prevent it!

10. It improves your balance and spatial awareness.

When you're riding through a group of people or even just around people, you really have to be aware of your surroundings.

11. It reduces stress.

Exercise helps every busy and stressed out college student.

12. It's a lot more fun than walking or driving.

It's just a fact of life. Riding down a hill is fun.

13. Cardio makes you smarter.

Isn't that neat? I mean, you're already smart if you've chosen to ride your bike to class (for all the reasons I just mentioned), but riding your bike boosts brain power.