Happy Earth Day!
Happy Earth Day!
Today is the 38th annual celebration of the planet we call home, and a day to step back and think about things we can do to preserve and restore our natural resources…
So that’s the official line on Earth Day, but I want to know: what do YOU think about Earth Day?
Is it a time to reflect on accomplishments?
A time to call for more action?
Or something in-between?
Send a post, let us know, then go outside and do something good for the planet.
Home > Blogs > Living Green > Archives > 2008 > May > 19 > Entry
Get your bike on: final thoughts for now
If there was a good weekend to try living sans automobile, this past one was it. Mild weather and reasonably sunny skies made each bike trip pleasant, and only confirmed what bike-commuting advocates say: it isn’t that much faster to get around locally by car, and it’s a lot more enjoyable to get around by bike.
I have several other sustainability-related topics I want to bring up in this blog, so I’ll leave the bike commuting topic for now with these thoughts and observations, in no particular order. I suspect some of you out there in Internet land have additional thoughts on the topic, so read these, then please share your comments.
(West Chester Township officials and Connections Committee members: the first two of these notes might be of interest to you)
Bike commuting in West Chester Twp. will only become practical if bike lanes are added to Tylersville and Cincinnati-Dayton roads. A trip to Union Centre Boulevard from the north without riding on those roads took 30 minutes. The return trip, on which I took Cin-Day and T’ville only took 10 minutes, if that. Unless these arteries are made safe and convenient for non-car transit, it takes too much time for the average cyclist to get around by alternate routes.
Along the same lines, if the township cared for its streets like it does the existing bike lanes, drivers would be ticked. The widest, most useable bike lane in the township follows Cox Road. It appears that street sweepers see the lanes as wider gutters for their leavings. I quickly grew tired of playing dodge-‘em with bits of broken metal and glass during a couple of trips to VOA Park from the office.
Cyclists seem to be getting a little more respect on the roads. Drivers were courteous to me all weekend, and I have to wonder if $4 gas makes them a little more understanding when they see bikes on the road.
Conversely, if cyclists want equal respect on the road, we need to act accordingly. It’s easy enough to do the old “cross a red light on the crosswalk then merge back into traffic” trick, but that’s only going to make drivers and pedestrians mad. If a car can’t do it, we shouldn’t do it.
There are a handful of things all bike commuters should have with them: a lightweight rain jacket, pump, spare tire and patch kit (learn how to use it BEFORE you need it), and a good multi-tool (I carry a Crank Brothers Multi-19). A good helmet goes without saying.
Wear a helmet, for crying out loud!
As far as the other stereotypical cycling clothing is concerned, get yourself a good pair of full-finger cycling gloves, sunglasses or the like to protect your eyes and don’t worry so much about the rest. Spandex is great for racers, but as long as your clothes don’t catch in the chain, don’t flap around too much in the breeze and give you reasonable ventilation, you’re good to go.
If you’re the numbers type and want to calculate how much you can save by bike commuting, don’t forget to factor in the following: Money saved on gas, money saved on car maintenance, the money you won’t need to pay for a gym membership, money saved by not having to go to the doctor as much due to better health, money saved on parking and lower insurance rates for not driving as much. Yes; you can save a bundle by biking.
There’s lots more to talk about regarding car-free commuting, so don’t worry; we’ll be back to the subject again in the future.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: car-free commuting
Comments
By Lw
May 20, 2008 4:33 AM | Link to this
With the high prices of gas, have we made any lifestyle changes? Are we still complaining and still climb into the 4 wheels at the same time? What if it’s $5 a gallon? Keep complaining and pray that the big oil companies will give us a break? Matt, I appreciate your contribution to green living. This is about doing our part to our mother earth. Be kind and gentle to our environment - picking up trash along a roadway is one way of doing your part. Recycle, cut down pollution, ride a bike or simply get out of cars and go for a walk. Have a healthy and enjoyable life.By sherry
May 20, 2008 7:18 AM | Link to this
as a fellow Cox Conserves committee member, I salute your efforts. It just takes some planning. And, judging by the weather today, less rain, please. i am looking forward to a summer of scooter commuting. have you noticed how you can smell the flowers? cheers and ride on!