I am the proud owner of a shiny new Cannondale Comfort 5 bicycle.
While in the bike shop, I saw a banner that described bicycling as a solution to two of our big problems: high gas prices and sedentary lifestyles. Unfortunately, just buying the bicycle isn't the solution. It's first necessary to get out of the car and onto the bike.
I am fortunate to live in an area where recreational, non-motorized vehicle trails exist, and more are being installed every day. Not only are these trails fun to ride, but they serve as corridors for alternative transportation. If I wanted to, I could ride from my house in the rural suburbs to the center of Philadelphia on a network of trails, many of which follow old railroad beds.
So why don't I ride instead of drive? The weather is one obvious reason, but that excuse goes away when the sun is shining and the humidity drops. I could say that I don't have time, but I'm an advocate for slowing down. If I rode instead of drove, I wouldn't need to block out time for exercise; could work a few minutes less because of the gas saved; and could take advantage of some mental downtime.
My professional appearance upon arrival is currently a valid reason because I'm out of shape, and it's still summertime. I wouldn't exactly look good sporting "helmet hair" while wearing a sweat-ringed collared shirt, but even this excuse only works for the few occasions when my appearance matters.
And like most Americans, biking is not in my daily routine. I'm out of shape as a result (which becomes another excuse) and know only how long it takes me to drive from one place to the next. I have no idea how long it takes me to ride these same distances, which makes planning difficult.
Tomorrow I must attend a 9am meeting at an office just 15 minutes from my house. The forecast is for a gorgeous day. The topic for the meeting is promoting outdoor recreation in our beautiful area. This would be a perfect opportunity to use my 24-speed bike. So again, why don't I ride instead of drive?
Safety. Yes, there are trails available, but there are places where I would need to use the roadways in spots treacherous enough that I would fear for my life. Every time I consider biking, my good intentions are shot down by fear for my own safety.
Next time you are racing around in your car and come upon a biker, please give him or her plenty of room and courtesy. Don't think of them as someone in your way; think of them as a person who is solving two problems at once.
And when you get frustrated with your municipal officials for spending money on recreational trails in your neighborhood, remember that these trails are infrastructure. They serve as roadways of a different kind. They are also a healthcare solution, providing motivation and framework for exercise with no gym membership required.
Are you a biker? Are you scared to ride on the roads?
While in the bike shop, I saw a banner that described bicycling as a solution to two of our big problems: high gas prices and sedentary lifestyles. Unfortunately, just buying the bicycle isn't the solution. It's first necessary to get out of the car and onto the bike.
I am fortunate to live in an area where recreational, non-motorized vehicle trails exist, and more are being installed every day. Not only are these trails fun to ride, but they serve as corridors for alternative transportation. If I wanted to, I could ride from my house in the rural suburbs to the center of Philadelphia on a network of trails, many of which follow old railroad beds.
So why don't I ride instead of drive? The weather is one obvious reason, but that excuse goes away when the sun is shining and the humidity drops. I could say that I don't have time, but I'm an advocate for slowing down. If I rode instead of drove, I wouldn't need to block out time for exercise; could work a few minutes less because of the gas saved; and could take advantage of some mental downtime.
My professional appearance upon arrival is currently a valid reason because I'm out of shape, and it's still summertime. I wouldn't exactly look good sporting "helmet hair" while wearing a sweat-ringed collared shirt, but even this excuse only works for the few occasions when my appearance matters.
And like most Americans, biking is not in my daily routine. I'm out of shape as a result (which becomes another excuse) and know only how long it takes me to drive from one place to the next. I have no idea how long it takes me to ride these same distances, which makes planning difficult.
Tomorrow I must attend a 9am meeting at an office just 15 minutes from my house. The forecast is for a gorgeous day. The topic for the meeting is promoting outdoor recreation in our beautiful area. This would be a perfect opportunity to use my 24-speed bike. So again, why don't I ride instead of drive?
Safety. Yes, there are trails available, but there are places where I would need to use the roadways in spots treacherous enough that I would fear for my life. Every time I consider biking, my good intentions are shot down by fear for my own safety.
Next time you are racing around in your car and come upon a biker, please give him or her plenty of room and courtesy. Don't think of them as someone in your way; think of them as a person who is solving two problems at once.
And when you get frustrated with your municipal officials for spending money on recreational trails in your neighborhood, remember that these trails are infrastructure. They serve as roadways of a different kind. They are also a healthcare solution, providing motivation and framework for exercise with no gym membership required.
Are you a biker? Are you scared to ride on the roads?
