Cyclists can teach the rest of us about leaving a happier, healthier life. Why? Here’s why:

Cyclists are in really good shape - It should come as no surprise that a dedicated cyclist is bound to be one of the fittest people around. Just one hour on the bike burns well over 500 calories, depending on incline and how quickly you're pedaling. It's an excellent way to get your heart rate up that can actually help slow the decline of cardiovascular health in older people, according to a 2013 study.

They have ample amounts of energy - You'd think climbing all those hills would be draining, but as it turns out, cyclists may actually have more energy than non-cyclists. In a 2008 study, researchers found six weeks of both low- and moderate-intensity biking slashed those feelings of fatigue and upped energy levels.

They've got swagger - Almost one quarter of people said they'd prefer to go on a date with a cyclist over any other type of athlete, according to the British Heart Foundation.

They take safety seriously - Long-distance cyclists push physical and mental limits. They power through the beating sun, howling wind and occasional rainstorm. But despite the risks they take upon themselves, smart cyclists like to play it safe. While riders face a higher injury rate than drivers, research also shows that the overall health benefits of the added physical activity outweigh the risks of accidents and inhaled air pollution.
That's why when it comes to gear, safety matters most, and helmets are at the top of the list.

Cyclists know that self-sufficiency pays off - Forget relying on others: When they're gearing up to pedal long miles, bike-packers often need to travel with everything in tow.
This type of mindfulness is one that many strive for in everyday life. "The benefits of being a self-sufficient person are that you don't depend as much on external things to make you happy," according to Steve Taylor, Ph.D, author of psychology book Back to Sanity. As it turns out self-sufficient people have a stable core of well-being, which means they can rebound more quickly after negative events and don't get so carried away by positive ones.

They live longer – According to research cycling is associated with a longer lifespan. It seems that cyclists who ride in the Tour de France live an extra eight years, as reported by a research published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine.

Also, another research shows that it's not simply the act of cycling but the intensity of the exercise that actually leads to a longer life. Pedaling hard enough to be out of breath on a regular basis, as opposed to riding at a pace that allows you to chat, can help women and men live four and five years longer.

Are you interested in taking up the sport yourself?