Cycling isn’t just for kids and spandex-clad athletes anymore. With more communities devoting dollars to bike-friendly infrastructure, bicycles are now a reliable mode of transportation for any Joe or Jane. That’s good news for Mother Nature! 72% of all car rides made in the United States are less than three miles in distance.1 Three miles—that’s a distance that a cyclist can cover in less than 20 minutes, without the combustion engine, the gas money, and the aggravating search for a parking spot. Every mile cycled saves one pound of carbon dioxide from spewing out of a tailpipe.2 If more motorists switched to cycling, we could significantly reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Now, did you know that you can make your bike ride even greener? Read on to find out how!
BENEFITS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT: Like all consumer goods, bicycles and bike accessories require energy and natural resources to manufacture. That’s why it’s important to know what products are good for the environment and which ones are not. It‘s also necessary to know how to make your bike super comfortable—the more pleasant the ride, the more often you‘ll ditch the engine for pedals!
COST: Moderate
If you don’t have a bike, you’ll need to invest in a comfortable ride. If you do, you might not need to spend any money at all. Either way, once you switch from driving to cycling, you’ll save money at the gas pump.
TIME AND EFFORT: Moderate
STEP ONE: GET THE RIGHT BIKE
- Instead of purchasing a new bicycle at the big-box store, minimize your environmental footprint by buying used from Craigslist or a local bike shop. Feeling handy? Build your own bike from old parts.
- Do not buy the first bicycle that catches your eye. First consider what type of bike suits you best. Will you be riding over mountainous terrain? Then you’ll want to invest in a bicycle with at least 12 speeds. Do you crave to explore rocky, winding paths? Then you should look into mountain bikes.
- Make sure the bicycle frame fits you. Frames are measured in many different (and confusing) ways, so your best bet is to simply take the bicycle out for a spin. Never settle for a bike that makes you feel scrunched or overextended.
- Avoid carbon fiber frames. Unlike steel frames, carbon fiber frames are not recyclable. They also have a shorter lifespan because they bend easily.
- Have some extra cash? Consider a trendy and sustainable bamboo bike.
- If you already have a bike that fits you and your lifestyle, avoid the urge to buy another one. You don’t need a rack of bicycles to call yourself a cyclist.
STEP TWO: ACCESORIZE YOUR BIKE
Here’s what you’ll need to make your ride safe and comfortable:
- A U-lock, because hardware stores sell both cable locks and cable cutters. This is non-negotiable for city dwellers.
- Fenders, so that you and your bottom arrive at work mud-free.
- Solar-powered lights for evening commutes. Skip the batteries.
- A comfortable saddle that distributes your weight to your sit bones, not your cheeks. Ladies, choose wider saddles for your wider hips.
- Sunscreen on sunny days. Gloves and extra socks on cold days. A windbreaker on windy days.
- A crate strapped to a rear rack to carry your purse or groceries.
- Chain lube that’s derived from natural plant oils, not petroleum-based grease.
- A patch kit and a hand pump, for emergencies.
When possible, minimize your purchases. Ask yourself: Do I really need another spandex cycling outfit?
STEP THREE: KNOW YOUR BIKE
You don’t need to be a mechanic to be a biking commuter. But there are a few skills you should pick up to feel more comfortable on your bike. That extra confidence might encourage you to ride farther! Know how to pump your tires, fix a flat tire, lube your chain, adjust your seat height, and test your brake pads. To learn how, ask your local bike mechanic, pick up a bicycle maintenance book at your local library, or check out this video tutorial:
bicycletutor.com/adjust-seat/
STEP FOUR: NEVER TRASH YOUR BIKE
Instead, donate your bicycle to a local charity or bike shop. And if you’re wondering what to do with that mounting pile of old bicycle tubes, check out these clever suggestions.
If you are not ready to invest in a bike, find out if your city has a bike sharing program!However you go about it, pedal on, and encourage your friends and family to do the same ☺
