Pedal Pushers

by Leslie Aronson — April 16, 2008

As warmer weather approaches (finally!), it may be time to dust off your bike and take it out for a spin. Biking is a great way to exercise, plus it's an eco-friendly way to get around town. And if you're one of those people who find it difficult to fit a workout into your over-committed schedule, you can kill two birds with one stone by combining your workout and commute. If you're not blessed to live in a bike-friendly city, though, the idea of commuting via two-wheels instead of four can be wildly intimidating. One tip: always, always, always wear a bike helmet. The most obvious reason--if you do have a mishap while on your bike, your helmet can help insure that your brains stay where they're intended. Another key to staying safe amongst the cars is to maintain vigilance. Don't get lazy and zone out (i.e., fail to pay attention to the cars). Unfortunate as it is, your safety depends on your defensive cycling skills, so always be aware of cars around you and what they're doing. If you assume drivers see you and are aware of your squish-ability, you may be tragically disappointed. Or stick to the sidewalks where possible, just be sure to avoid colliding with pedestrians and other sidewalk-dwellers. Taking your bike for a tune-up before hitting the trails or street is also a good idea, especially if you haven't ridden for a while: you don't want to be miles from home or civilization with bad brakes. Start pedaling and do yourself and the Earth a favor.