Commuting and Recreational riding.
PART ONE
Recently we have covered the possibility of using your bicycle to commute to work or school to save on gasoline. You can turn to the League of Illinois Bicyclists for advice and tips on how to make your commute a positive experience that you will want to repeat. The league can connect you to links that provide all kinds of tips and information on bicycle commuting. And if you still have doubts, you can email the league with your questions and get expert advice.
“Many people have considered bicycling to work, to the train station, to school or to run errands, but for one reason or another just haven’t done so,” said League Executive Director Ed Barsoti. “With the high price of gasoline these days, the idea for some has become even more appealing. Our goal is to provide the information so people can make wise choices, be confident in those choices and ride safely everyday.”
The league through it many resources can provide tips on what kind of bike to use, what kind of equipment to have, what kind of lock to buy and where you lock your bike and what kinds of clothes to wear.
These and many more issues are addressed at the league’s website www.bikelib.org/commute or you can send your questions to the league at commute@bikelib.org
Here is a quick chick list for those considering commuting:
1. Determine your best route to work, look for wide lanes, paved shoulders and quiet streets
2. Talk to you employer and ask where you can park your bike
3. Check your bike to make sure it’s in good operating condition
4. Dress for the occasion, wear a helmet and pack a bag with your work clothes or keep a change of clothes at the office
5. Pump up your tires to make sure they’re properly inflated
6. Don’t ride on an empty stomach, eat a good breakfast, you’ll need the energy.
7. Get an early start the first day to make sure you reach your destination on time.
I have done some research on Bicycling as Transportation. Here are some statistics to ponder.
- Bicycle commuting increased by 9% between 1990 and 2000. (US Census)
- 40% of trips in the United States are two miles or less in length. Twenty-five percent of trips in the United States are one mile or less. but 75% of these trips are made by automobile. (2001 Nationwide Personal Transportation Survey).
- 50% of work commute trips are five miles or less ((Bureau of Transportation)
- Bicycling is the second most preferred form of transportation after the automobile: more preferred that public transportation. (League of American Bicyclists)
PART TWO
For those readers who are more interested in recreational riding with the family, The League of American Bicyclists provides a course called, “Family Bicycling 101” How cool is that!?!
Bicycling is a great way for families to get fit together and to have some fun at the same time. This class teaches you and your family how to ride your bike safely while exploring the great trail system and neighborhood in our area. The class consists of a total of 4 hours split up into 2 two-hour sessions. The course cover lot of other topics like how to adjust and wear your helmet to properly protect your head; hot to do a quick safety inspection on your bike ; how to do basic road repairs like changing a flat tire; and some basic bike handling skills
The Instructor is Laurel Salvador. The location will be at 49 Diecke Dr., Glen Ellyn, and will be held on Saturday, July 14th. Fee is $20. Contact Phone 630-858-0100/ website: www.brryallymca.org/ Something worth looking into.
Have a great ride!