Forty percent of all travel in the United States happens within 2 miles of home, said Jody Newman, the executive director of the League of American Bicyclists, in Outside magazine. If 1 out of 10 car commuters switched to a bike, CO2 emissions would be reduced by 25.4 million tons. Alternatively, if 1 million people replaced a 2 mile car trip once a week with a bike ride, CO2 emissions would be reduced by 50,000 tons per year. Outside magazine gives another perspective: "Converting calories to gasoline, a bicycle gets 1,000 miles to the gallon. If American workers bike to the job only two days a week, it would completely eliminate our dependence on Middle East oil."
How to Go By Bike
Step 1
Prepare your bike for regular use. Pump your tires to the recommended pressure. Head to a bike shop for a tune-up if you haven't ridden your bike in awhile.
Step 2
Prepare your saddle bag. Create a fix-a-flat kit to include a hand pump or CO2 cartridge, spare tube and tire levers. The contents of your saddle bag will allow you to change a flat. Even if you're not comfortable changing your own flat, your fix-a-flat kit will provide someone who can assist you with the necessary tools to get you rolling again.
Step 3
Select a destination. Decide whether you want to begin by commuting to work, running an errand or visiting a friend. Look at your trip on a map and plot a route that is bike-friendly. Do a test route. Googlemaps now includes bike routes.
Step 4
Scout out safe parking. Many office building provide indoor bike parking. Some businesses you frequent might allow you to keep your bike inside as well. You'll never know until you ask. However, parking your bike outdoors is sometimes unavoidable. Invest in the best lock you can afford.
Step 5
Assess the purpose of your trip and determine what else you might need besides yourself and your bike. If you need to carry something to or from your destination, decide the best method of transportation for these items. In most cases, a backpack or messenger bag will do the trick. Heavy loads can require a pannier rack and bags.
Step 6
Before heading out, stick your cell phone, identification and some form of currency in your pocket, saddle bag or backpack. In case of an emergency, these items are critical to have on hand.
Tips and Warnings
- Invest in a set of bike lights if you plan to do any commuting in the dark. These lights will ensure that drivers can see you at night and that you stay within the bounds of the law. Familiarize yourself with the rules of the road and follow them. Do your part to demonstrate that motorists and cyclists can co-exist peacefully.
Things You'll Need
- Working bicycle
- Floor pump
- Saddle bag
- Hand pump or CO2 cartridge
- Spare tube
- Tire levers
- Bike lock
- Backpack or messenger bag
- Pannier Rack and bags -- optional
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