I have recently been inspired to start riding a bicycle to work. In other countries this is a very common thing. This guy is riding his bike to work in Amsterdam. Many people in Europe and Asia do this every day.I know what you're thinking (Mom and Grandma). It might be dangerous! If I simply obey the rules of the road, I'm sure that I'll be fine. I've been doing some research and this is what I've found. I'm 10 times more likely to die in a car accident than a bike accident. About 24 times as many people die on stairs than on bicycles. Most accidents occur for children and cyclists who do not obey traffic laws. Yes, many people are injured on bikes each year, but less than 1.5% of those are severe injuries. The most common causes of injury on a bicycle ( as per Crash Type Manual for Bicyclists) are
- 5.1% The bicyclist exited a driveway in front of an on-coming vehicle.
- 4.3% The bicyclist turned left in front of a passing vehicle.
- 3.9% The motorist was overtaking the bicyclist, cause of the accident unclear.
- 2.7% The bicyclist was struck while traveling on the wrong (left) side of the road.
- 1.4% The bicyclist, on the wrong side, turned right in front of a vehicle.
- 1.3% The motorist was overtaking the bicyclist and failed to see him.
- 1.2% The bicyclist lost control and swerved into the path of the vehicle.
- .8% The bicyclist made a normal left turn but ignored on-coming traffic.
- .6% The motorist lost control of the car and struck the bicyclist.
- .5% The motorist struck a play vehicle (big wheel, bike with training wheels.
It might be kind of difficult when it's 90+ degrees outside, but the rest of the time it would be great. I think the benefits outweigh the costs. It's good for my health, good for the air, good for my bank account, and saves wear and tear on my car. They have some really reasonable bikes out right now. It seems like you can get one for $70 and up. That's less than the cost of two tanks of gas right now.
I like this new Schwinn cruiser bike for riding around town comfortably. I don't plan on riding in the woods any time soon, so I don't think I need a mountain bike. I could put a basket on this to carry my stuffI'm going to visit several Carbondale bicycle shops today to get some expert advice. Are any of you cycling enthusiasts? What kind of bike would you recommend for comfortable cross-town commuting?
3 comments:
my bike is a Giant Sedona. I like it because it's tall, like me. It's a road bike. the schwinn cruiser is super cute.
i would give almost anything to be able to bike to work. but this is impossible for me, because there's a mountain in the way. and bikes aren't allowed in the tunnels. also, it's something like 9 miles and very hilly with narrow windy roads. my mother would definitely not approve.
good for you. happy bicycling!
did you know that today is national bike to work day?
No, I did not know that! How ironic!
I looked at a few Giants. They're really nice, but out of my price range. I would like a comfort hybrid, but I'm just in love with this cruiser and it's a really good deal.
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