Bike/Walk

Biking or walking to work instead of driving helps to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and it’s a healthy alternative for you and your wallet too. So get pedaling!

According to Urban Bikers' Tricks & Tips biking to work takes a little preparation to be successful.  Here are some of their tricks & tips:

Clothes

• Wear sunglasses or goggles to keep debris out of your eyes.
• Always wear a bicycle helmet.
• Choose a loose-fitting jacket or blazer to wear on cool days.
• Ladies should consider wearing a sports bra for extra comfort.
• Shirt or blouse should be loose enough to let in air.
• Underwear should be nylon or other synthetics that absorb moisture.
• Slacks in black or brown don't show grime from your bike.  If you often bicycle in the same pair of pants, the pant's seat can get shiny or faded -- especially if they re corduroy or wool.  Wear loose shorts over the pants.
• Cuffs tucked into socks or bound by an ankle strap will prevent pants from getting into the chain or front gears.
• Shoes should have a tread to grip pedals.
• A hankerchief comes in handy to wipe grime from bike contact or sweat from exertion.
• Special bicycle gloves can provide a comfortable cushion on the handlebars.
• Keep a full water bottle in the holder on the bike frame.

Getting Comfortable with Traffic

Bicycling in traffic isn't as scary as it looks from the sidewalk.  Bicyclists don't usually get hit by motorists from behind -- one of the most common fears.  Cyclists do get into trouble when they don't act like the other vehicles around them -- namely, cars.

Because you probably know how to drive a car, you already know how to get through traffic.  You just have to apply this knowledge.  Use left, right and stop hand signals.  Make your self as visable as possible.

Before you ride off to your destination, think about the roads you'll take.  Plan you route and test drive it on a weekend to familiarize yourself with it.

Choose a route that lets you make as few left turns as possible. 

To learn more about Bike/Walk please go to www.onelesscar.org