Bicycles are a great way to stay in shape, save money and protect the environment. Commuting by bicycle is indeed beneficial for everyone and with the obesity epidemic engulfing the country, it is vital that people start to adopt this cheap and healthy way to stay fit, travel easily and save money. Research and studies by the Center for Disease Control show that an alarming number of Americans are at risk for diseases due to obesity, making it all the more essential to switch to a healthier mode of transport.
Not just that, bicycling has many other advantages over driving a car. First, is the fact that it is a pollution-free, cost-effective way to commute and get exercise at the same time. There are other benefits as well. Cyclists don’t need to look around for parking space, deal with frustrating traffic jams or worry about filling gasoline. According to the League of American Bicyclists, “Bicycles cost far less than automobiles to purchase and maintain, and do not require a continual intake of increasingly expensive gasoline. Between six and twenty bicycles can be parked in the space a motor vehicle requires for parking. Bicycles also cause little, if any, wear and tear on roadways.”
However, it is importance to choose the right kind of bike for one’s needs, age and ability. For commuting short distances with minimal load, you could use any regular bike. However, if a cyclist would be cycling more than ten miles a day and needs to get to work on time, he/she may need a distance or speed bike with added safety features. Similarly, cyclists who would be out in inclement weather or in the dark will require a different type of bicycle. One must insure that the bicycle is the right size and is not too high or too low. Also, it is important to invest in a proper, well-fitting helmet to protect the head from injury.
Along with choosing the right type of bicycle, it is important to plan the right route for commuting. Some tips to keep in mind while developing a route are distance, traffic volume, and the width and condition of the roads. It is a good idea to have a map handy to help with any detours.
Being on the road on a bicycle means one needs to be extra careful. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, the four basic safety rules while cycling are – maintain control of the bicycle, protect yourself, communicate your intentions by being visible and alert, and ride with traffic.
Owning a bicycle also means keeping it safe and parking it properly. Some recommendations from the League of American Bicyclists include always locking the bicycle, even at home, and lock it to a fixed, immovable object. It may also be beneficial to use two locks, both a U lock and a locking cable. Park and lock the bicycle in a proper parking area, which is well-lit and has other bikes parked there as well.
Cyclists who commute regularly will also benefit from knowing the basics of bicycle maintenance. While keeping tools for repair and maintenance is not essential for short commutes, it is always a good idea to know how to fix a flat.
Cycling is an activity that is fun, easy-to-do, cost-effective and eco-friendly. There are hardly any reasons why one would not want to commute using a bicycle instead of a car. So go ahead and invest in a bicycle to watch your waistline shrink while your savings grow.
Here are some useful resources to help make bicycle commuting easy, fun and safe.