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May 12 - 16, 2008 is Bike to Work Week May 16, 2008 is Bike to Work Day
Bicycling Benefits the Cyclist Why Support Bicycle Commuters? Overcoming Bike Commuting Excuses
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NO EXCUSES: Start Bike Commuting
Bicycling Reduces Health Costs According to the CDC, more than 200,000 deaths per year can be attributed to physical inactivity. Obesity costs our nation $68 billion in health care and personal costs annually. The statistics on the lack of physical activity among children are also alarming. Most children are driven to school in cars or buses, and one child out of every 4 is overweight. Medical research has well established the fact that a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity three days a week can reduce incidents of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension and improve mental health and cardio-vascular fitness (Case Study No. 14, National Bicycling and Walking Study, FHWA, 1992). Active people are healthier than inactive people because exercise stimulates the immune system and increases the metabolism. The pollution that motorists inhale inside a car has been shown more harmful to them than outside the car. Bicyclists Are More Productive Employees who are physically fit also recover from illness more quickly. Employers in the community also benefit from a healthy, active workforce. In addition to missing less work due to sickness, bicyclists generally accomplish more work. There's nothing like riding to stimulate circulation, relieve stress, allow creative thought and establish a positive attitude toward oneself and one's environment. Bicyclists are also less likely to be affected by traffic congestion. Whether they ride the bike paths or the surface roads, bicycles are much more maneuverable than automobiles. Wide lanes, shoulders and bike lanes provide space for bicyclists to ride right past traffic and on to work. Bike paths are mostly unaffected by automobile traffic. Bicycle Parking Costs Less Ten bikes can park in the space taken by a single motor vehicle. Since the costs of employee parking sites are growing, many companies are looking for cheaper alternatives. By promoting bicycling they reduce the parking problem, with happier, more productive employees as an excellent return on their investment.
Bicycling Benefits the Cyclist Improved Health Bicycle commuting is a great way to squeeze regular exercise into a hectic schedule. Commuting time can be used to stay in shape instead of sitting frustrated in traffic. Bicycle commuters also get to work on time more often and are happier and more productive while they are there 80% of people who switch from sedentary commuting to cycling improve their heart, lungs and blood vessels greatly in 6-8 weeks, so they get sick much less often. For a 180 pound man, a 10 mile round trip bike commute burns 400 calories. For a 130-pound woman this same commute burns 300 calories. Quick And Easy Door to door, bicycling is faster than other modes for distances under three miles. In congested situations it is often faster for distances up to five miles. For longer trips bicycling still may save time by combining commuting time with exercise time. Gas stations are another time hassle that bicycles eliminate. Even the most powerful sports car crawls in congested traffic while bicyclists ride around it. Parking a car can also be a time consuming hassle while bikes can be parked quickly, almost always at no charge. Economics Bicycle commuting saves on parking fees, parking tickets, fuel costs, auto maintenance costs and transit fares. In some large urban areas, it is possible to save over $200 per month on parking alone. A new bicycle and cycling gear would pay for itself in a few months. Cyclists can meet all of their transportation needs with a combination of bicycling, transit, and an occasional cab or rented car-much cheaper than owning a car. Since the biggest costs of automobile ownership are paid up front- insurance and car payments-some people can free up about 25 percent of their income by getting rid of their car or their second car. For more information on the benefits of bicycling, consult the Final Report of the National Bicycling and Walking Study, 1995 (Pub. No. FHWA-PD-94-023) and its accompanying case studies. They are available free of charge and can be ordered online at www.fhwa.dot.gov. Additionally, visit www.vtpi.org/0_nmt.htm for more reports on the benefits of bicycling, facilities, and infrastructure.
Why Support Bicycle Commuters? 1) Individuals Bike commuting cuts down on automobile traffic; less stress, congestion and pollution Bicycles put less wear on the roadways, decreasing taxes used for road repair More car parking; you can park a dozen bikes in one car parking space 2) Businesses More parking spaces for your car-driving customers A cleaner environment is a cheaper place to do business Supporting bike commuters will earn you a loyal, healthy clientele 3) Communities Fewer cars mean safer communities with lower speed limits and less congestion Noise, air, water and ground pollution would be decreased More walkable and bikeable communities increase home values 4) Governments Car accidents involve far more fatalities per incident than bicycle accidents Savings can be realized from highway, emissions and environmental expenditures Bicycle infrastructure is inexpensive to build and maintain 5) Police Bikes are involved in less severe accidents and fewer accidents per mile than cars Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for people aged 1 to 24 Bike-mounted police need bicycle-friendly infrastructure to patrol
Overcoming Bike Commuting Excuses 1) I’m out of shape Ride at an easy pace; in a few months you will be in great shape Ride your route on a weekend to find the easiest way to work You will improve your fitness level when you become a regular bike commuter 2) It takes too long The average commuter travels at 10 mph; the more you ride, the faster you will get Trips of less than three miles will be quicker by bike Trips of five to seven miles in urban areas may take the same time or less as by car 3) It’s too far Try riding to work and taking mass transit home, then alternating the next day Combine riding and mass transit to shorten your commute Ride to a coworker’s house and carpool to work 4) No bike parking Look around for a storage area in your building or office Stash your bike in a covered, secure place such as a closet or even your office Formally request that your employer provide bike parking or lock it up outside 5) My bike is beat up Tell a reputable bike shop that you are commuting and have them tune up your bike If you can’t maintain your bike yourself, identify bike shops near your route Make sure that your bike is reliable and in good working order before you start riding 6) No showers Most commuters don’t shower at work; ride at an easy pace to stay cool and dry Ride home at a fast pace if you want a workout; shower when you get there Health clubs offer showers; get a discounted membership for showers only 7) I have to dress up Keep multiple sets of clothing at work; rotate them on days you drive Have work clothes cleaned at nearby laundromats or dry cleaners Pack clothes with you and change at work; try rolling clothes instead of folding 8) It’s raining Fenders for your bike and raingear for your body will keep you dry If you are at work, take transit or carpool to get home; ride home the next day Take transit or drive if you don’t have the gear to ride comfortably in the rain 9) The roads aren’t safe Obey traffic signs, ride on the right, signal turns, stop at lights, wear bright clothing You are at no greater risk than driving a car Wear a helmet every time you ride 10) I have to run errands Bolt a rack to the back of your bike to add carrying capacity Make sure that you have a lock to secure your bike while you are in a building Allow yourself extra time to get to scheduled appointments and find parking
1) American epidemic In 1991, 4 states reported obesity rates of over 15%; in 2004, it rose to 49 states Over 66% of the adult US population is overweight; 32% of the US is obese The result of this condition is over $22 billion in health care and living costs More than 50% of American adults do not get enough physical activity to provide health benefits. 25% of U.S. adults are not active at all in their leisure time. 2) Risks 29% of Americans are sedentary which causes an increase in disease and death 80% do not get the recommended 30 minutes of moderate activity 5 days a week Inactivity is a factor in 10% of total deaths and 25% of chronic disease related deaths 3) Recommendations Bike commuting is moderate physical activity 5 times a week Recreational bike riding is a safe, low-impact, aerobic activity for Americans of all ages 25% of all trips are within a mile of home; ride your bike for your health 4) Communities Residents of pre-1960’s communities are more likely to walk, bike and use transit Typical infrastructure in American cities is designed for efficient auto use Americans spend 75 minutes a day in their car; 89% of all trips are by car 5) Challenge 60% of Americans want bikeways between home and stores 55% want more bike paths and improved road conditions for cycling Sustainable transport is the future; support cycling as transportation and recreation
1) Sharing the road Bicycles are vehicles and should act and be treated as such on the roadways Laws that apply to motorists apply to cyclists as well; ride on the right, with traffic Ride in the right-most lane that goes in the direction that you are travelling 2) Signals and signs Obey all stop signs, traffic lights and lane markings Look before you change lanes or signal a turn; indicate your intention, then act Identify hazards and adjust your position on the roadway accordingly 3) Safety If the lane is too narrow or you are going the same speed as traffic, take the lane Be visible and predictable at all times; wear bright clothing and signal turns Always wear a helmet to protect your head in the event of a crash 4) Route choice Consider distance, traffic volume, road width and condition, and terrain Some routes may be a bit longer but much more pleasant; carry a map for detours Allow extra time for a new route; try riding different routes on the weekend 5) Bike parking Try to find an indoor parking area in your office or building in which to keep your bike Lock your bike to an immovable object in a highly visible area out of the elements Ask your employer or building owner to provide safe, covered parking 6) Clothing optional If you have a short commute, ride in your work clothes at a relaxed pace Cycling specific clothing is an option for longer, more strenuous rides Use waterproof and breathable fabrics to stay comfortable and dry 7) Showering Showering should not be necessary in the morning when it is cool outside Many workplaces have showers located in the building; inquire about access Some health clubs offer shower-only memberships for a few dollars a month 8) The bike Any bike that you feel comfortable on will work; make sure it is in good working order Consider weather protection such as fenders and a rack for carrying capacity Invest in a rechargeable headlight; helmet and handlebar mounts are available 9) Maintenance Have your bike checked over by your local bike shop Learn how to repair a flat, fix a chain and inspect your brake pads for wear Replace tires when they are worn out; use tire liners if you experience excessive flats 10) Weather Heat, cold and precipitation require special preparation for you and your bike Fenders and rain gear keep out the rain; use layers and wind proofing for cold days Some cycling-specific gear can provide relief on hot days; it keeps you cool and dry |