A "How To" for Bicycle Commuters
A
poll published in Bicycling Magazine indicate that close to 50% of the U. S. population lives within five miles of their place of employment. A leisurely five mile bike ride takes less than one half hour and offers some individuals a seasonal alternative to driving.If you haven't got a bicycle, don't worry you don't need to spend a lot of money purchasing a commuter bike. Most often a used "beater" bike is better than a shiny new one. If you need to fix an old bike but haven't got the tools, a bike mechanic can make most any bicycle ride like new.
If you think you haven't got the time to bike to work, consider the amount of time wasted while you drive to and from work. Chances are you spend a great deal of time creeping along, bumper-to-bumper as you inch your way through bottleneck intersections. Once you've arrived at your destination, you circle the parking lot or city block looking for a place to park. You're probably stressed and not eager to start work.
If you are concerned about your safety, get a "bike buddy". Traveling in twos will make you more visible than traveling solo. If you must bike alone, travel less congested streets. You may travel a few extra miles, but the point is to enjoy your ride. Most people know the importance of wearing a helmet, being visible, and obeying the traffic laws. Unfortunately, this is not enough to guard against the most common bike/vehicle accidents. To do so, you must be properly positioned and predictable. Ride in that part of the roadway where motorists expect to see traffic. Ride with traffic, rather than against it. Motorists pulling out from side streets don't expect vehicles to approach from against the flow. Ride in the traffic lane instead of hugging the curb. In this way you can avoid getting squeezed over into hazards such as potholes, sewer grates, parked cars and the doors which often swing from them. By claiming part of the traffic lane, and avoiding the roadside hazards, you won't have to swerve left, directly into the path of a motorist who hasn't allowed extra room for a cyclist.
Now that summer is here, why don't you get your bicycle in shape and use it to commute to work on nice days. Bicycling can save money, is less stressful, helps keep you fit, won't pollute and by reducing our dependence on foreign oil helps make the planet a more peaceful place. Try it--you may like it!
[Reprinted from the Hudson Valley Green Times]