"Riding to ward off illness" is a fitness activity aimed at dispelling ailments through leisurely walks and rides. Doctors say it's important to choose an appropriate method and exercise in moderation based on one’s physical condition and environmental factors—otherwise, it could backfire.
Yesterday morning, the Chengdu Senior Sports Association Cycling Club organized a group ride with over a thousand participants for the “Ride to Ward Off Illness” event, with 19 cycling teams setting off from the city sports center and riding in different directions. Although the custom is called “riding to ward off illness,” after the dazzling fireworks of the Lantern Festival night, the air quality in downtown Chengdu deteriorated to moderate pollution levels. Health experts warn that elderly people cycling in polluted air may not only fail to improve their health but could actually end up getting sick.
After Lantern Festival, over a thousand seniors form cycling groups
At 9:30 am yesterday, 19 senior cycling teams gathered at the city sports center. A reporter joined one of the teams—the Jinjiang Team One—and followed them on their ride to Wangjianglou Park.
Setting off from the sports center and exiting Donghua Gate, it took roughly half an hour before the reporter, along with a dozen cyclists from Jinjiang Team One, reached the Jinjiang Greenway. As they rode along, a sudden “clang!” came from the front of the group—it turned out that a cyclist had hit a bump while entering the greenway, causing both the bike and rider to fall, though fortunately without injury. Though the ride was generally pleasant, several cyclists still took tumbles, and some even abandoned the greenway for slower vehicle lanes, revealing serious safety hazards for riders.
Riding is pleasant—but safety is your own responsibility
According to Zhou Xiguang, executive deputy director of the Senior Sports Association Cycling Club, more than 1,000 members participated in the ride, with an average age of over 65. So, given their age, do they need more protection when facing heavy traffic and long distances? What if something goes wrong—who will take responsibility? “Before joining the club, members and their families have signed forms consenting voluntarily, taking full responsibility for safety, covering their own expenses, and managing their own needs,” Zhou said. Participation is voluntary, and so are the consequences. Before every event, they brief participants to raise safety awareness.
Doctor’s advice: citizens shouldn’t ride early to ward off illness
Although seniors hope to boost their health through the tradition of “riding to ward off illness,” riding early in the morning poses risks. On one hand, dust particles in the air are harmful to lung health, especially for older adults. On the other hand, cyclists are prone to injuries such as fractures during the ride.
Xiang Tao, deputy director of the Emergency Department at Chengdu Third People’s Hospital, explained that dust in the air can settle in the alveoli after inhalation, impairing lung function. For those with pre-existing lung conditions, inhaling such harmful particles may worsen their illness. Therefore, Xiang recommends that people avoid morning exercise too early, and even when going out, necessary precautions should be taken—such as wearing a mask. Seniors, in particular, should opt for gentler and less strenuous forms of exercise.