Get on your bike!

By Rebecca Harnik

As gas prices skyrocket, the world continues to warm, traffic jams creep along our highways and pollution chronically plagues many cities, commuting to work is becoming more burdensome and the situation is looking hopeless. Except for bicycle commuters.

Bicycle commuting is an easy way to protect the environment from car-related issues and decrease our dependency on the automobile. And it is likely much easier than you’d imagine. In the long run it will probably save money, get you in better physical shape, boost endorphins, improve your mood (especially if the alternative is a traffic jam) and clear you of the guilt and frustration of driving. Biking could even be speedier than your current drive or walk.

I recently biked from St. Paul, Minn. to Chicago with a few friends and the trip fueled my love for biking. We felt that we absorbed so much more of the character and intricacies of different towns and cities than we would have by car. Also, we connected much more personally with many interesting and kind people along the way. I think that you will likely agree that passing people on a bike path will fill you with much more happiness than dealing with the road rage of stressed drivers.

According to the Surface Transportation Policy Partnership, one-quarter of all car trips that Americans make are one mile or less. This can be a five-minute bike ride. If you are nervous about a long ride, start slowly, if you need to. I am currently attempting to eliminate all of these one-mile drives from my life and am biking them instead. You should, too! If you don’t feel able to go all the way to work, try biking part of the way to a bus station or metro, and then lock your bike up there. If it works well, then expand your trip.

If you need ideas for a good bike route, start by looking online. Many cities and states have their own bicycling organizations, or offer bike-specific maps labeling the most optimal bike roads. Also, check your state’s Department of Transportation website for bike suggestions. If none are listed, contact the department and demand such services. If all else fails, try paying attention to bikers in your area, and ask them for advice on bike routes.

Of course, not every city has a good bicycle infrastructure. Many cities forbid bikes from using the sidewalk, yet offer no safe alternative on the road, and suburbs can be devoured by highways with few bike trails.

If your city has poor or dangerous biking conditions, be sure to let your representatives know your needs! Write letters, and talk to neighbors and friends to try to improve your community. Taking action can make it easier for others to join the ride.

Other concerns? There are a lot of great sites that offer advice on many different issues. I like this one a lot:

Commuting101