Couples that exercise together are not only healthier, but they’re also happier and get along better than those who don’t. Studies have shown that those who exercise together report higher satisfaction in their relationships, and married people who workout together have more positive marital events than negative ones. If you’re looking for a way to bond with your partner and strengthen your relationship at the same time, why not try riding a tandem bike? Although going on regular bike riding dates on separate bikes can enhance your health and well-being, there’s something about pedaling together on one bike that really brings a couple together. Here are all the reasons why you should ride a tandem bike with your significant other.

You learn to work together as a team on a tandem bike

Couples who want to enhance their relationship often buy themselves items that feed affection and instill togetherness, such as matching jewelry or clothing, a picnic backpack or basket, or his and hers bathrobes. Having these items show the world that you’re in love and in complete harmony, but if you’re having problems working together as a pair, consider investing in a tandem bike.

Riding a tandem requires absolute teamwork, with the front rider or captain steering and braking, while the back rider has to follow the captain’s lead and put their trust in them. You’ll know that you’re doing it right if you’ve learned to pedal in sync, and the only way to do this is to communicate with each other. You can talk about what speed works for both of you and how to navigate turns. Once you’ve mastered this, cycling together on a tandem becomes easier, and you’ll find that you’re also better at working together while navigating different challenges in life.

A Couple on a tandem bike in Paris
Riding a tandem bike can help to strengthen your relationship with your significant other. Image: A Couple on a tandem bicycle in Paris on Wikipedia

You learn to respect and care for each other

Riding a tandem bike means respecting each other and caring for each other while you’re on the road. The front rider should always encourage feedback from their partner, and they should always try to make their loved one feel comfortable and safe, as they’re the ones who are steering the bike.

Meanwhile, the back rider should gently voice out what they want their significant other to do differently. It can be anything, from cycling in areas where there’s less traffic to judging distances at intersections. The back rider should also observe their partner for any signs of stress, fatigue, or dehydration, and encourage them to take a break. By doing so, you learn to look out for each other while you cycle, and you become more caring and considerate towards one another.

It’s a great way to have fun together

Being in a relationship can often mean falling into a predictable routine, so why not introduce tandem cycling into your lives for some spontaneous fun? Being out there in the open allows you to take a break from your routine, and it also gives you something new to talk about. Moreover, you may discover your partner’s fun side as you pedal along together and bond outside the confines of your home.

Riding a tandem bike can help to strengthen your relationship with your significant other. Try going on a tandem bike ride and see what a difference it can make to your life as a couple.

Tandem bicycle

The tandem bicycle or twin is a type of bicycle (sometimes a tricycle) built for more than one person to rid. The term tandem applies not to the number of riders, but to the seating arrangement (fore to aft, not side by side). Tandem bicycle-related patents date from the mid-1880s. Tandem bikes can achieve higher speeds than the same riders on single bicycles. Tandem bicycle racing even exists.

Here’s a beautiful video of an English family riding their tandem bike in 1961.

Cycling Family (1961) riding their tandem bicycle. Video by the British Pathé.
Jane Sandwood

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