Living and functioning in most cities without a motor vehicle is easier than you might think! Using your legs as your primary mode of transportation will improve your health, save you money, and help the environment. Here are five tips for living the biking and walking life:
1. Tune up. A well-equipped, well-tuned bicycle will save you time and bring you pleasure. Invest in a good tune-up at your locally-owned bicycle shop. A basic tune-up will tighten all your cables, true (or straighten) your wheels, and give your ride an overall cleaning. The $50-75 you will spend to get your bike in top shape is very little compared to the money you’ll save on gasoline!
2. Gear up! You can outfit your bike with many accessories; some are necessities for the biking life, while others will simply make your ride easier. When using your bicycle as your primary mode of transportation, a bright white headlight and flashing red tail light are essentials. For less than $20 you can pick up a set of these, often with both flashing and constant light functions. A mirror, conveniently attached to the handlebar or endpost of your bicycle, will greatly improve your awareness of motor vehicles around you. A bike rack and saddle bags can help you transport a briefcase, purse, or even several bags of groceries on your journey. Of course, a water bottle is essential for long summer commutes.
3. Plan your route. If you live in a city with designated bike routes, these roads are usually safer and smoother rides. Check your city’s website for maps of bike paths, on-street bike routes, and special bike lanes on main roads. Learning to ride safely and efficiently on city streets will shorten your commute time significantly in comparison with riding on bike paths or sidewalks. Bicycle paths can take you far out of your way, while sidewalks are often uneven, slowing you down as you break to weather large cracks. Motorists are notorious for overlooking cyclists on sidewalks, too. Find quiet side streets that run parallel to the route you would take with your car to avoid high-traffic areas. In busy sections, if you feel unsafe on the road, consider riding slowly and carefully for a few blocks on the sidewalk. Learn which intersections have stop lights; a bicyclist can be stopped at a red light for much longer than a car, as a bicycle is not big and heavy enough to trigger the light to change. A carefully crafted route can shorten your ride time and increase your safety.
4. Dress appropriately. Whether you are biking or walking, light-weight wicking clothing in summer and warm layers in winter will help you to regulate your body temperature. If you are commuting at night, wear light-colored clothing to help motorists see you. Consider wearing a reflective vest if you live in an especially dark area, without streetlights. A backpack or messenger bag can help you to carry groceries or personal items safely. Invest in shoes that are supportive and comfortable; many options are available that are fashionable enough to take you from your walk or ride, straight into work or the mall. A good pair of gripping sunglasses will keep wind, rain, and bugs out of your eyes, in addition to giving protection from UV rays and unsightly wrinkles!
5. Be a kind commuter. When sharing the road with motor vehicles, a bicyclist or pedestrian is required to follow the rules of the road. This means stopping at stop signs and red lights! Learn proper cycling signals to notify cars around you when you are making a turn. Stay far to the right side of the road if you are biking, and to the left if you are walking on the street, to allow cars to easily and safely pass you. Make eye contact with motorists to ensure they see you and understand your intentions in turns and at intersections. If you choose to use an iPod or other music device with headphones, use only one ear bud so that your hearing is not entirely impaired and motorists know you can hear them coming.
Riding and walking to work, shopping, and socializing is fulfilling and fun! Park your car for a week and give it a try; you’ll soon find that it’s easier, and more rewarding, than you think.
