OPINION
May is National Bike Month

The League of American Bicyclists has been promoting Bike-to-Work in May for over 51 years. This year Bike-to-Work week will be held from May 14-18 and Bike-to-Work Day on Friday, May 18. Need some ideas?

Biking to work takes planning, and training. It can be one of the best choices you can make for your health and the environment. After an initial investment of purchasing a bicycle, biking is a very inexpensive mode of transportation. You’ll save money on gas and car maintenance, you’ll get in great shape, and your coworkers will think you’re awesome. Join the growing ranks of bike-to-workers!

If you are interested in riding a bike to work, the following tips and helps will assist you (http://www.wikihow.com/Bike-to-Work).

1. Acquire a bike, bike lock, and bike helmet. Don’t buy a cheap bike. Find a local bicycle shop.
2. Learn the local bicycling laws.
3. Your local bike shop will probably have bicycle route maps. Get one and map out your route to work.
4. Look for streets with bicycle lanes, and avoid streets with excessive potholes or junk in the road.
5. Determine where you can lock your bike while you are at work.
6. You will need something in which to carry your work items.
7. Some people like to bike in work-out clothes and then change into their day clothes.
8. Don’t just assume that the route you drive to work is the best route for biking.
9. Do a test-run of your bike route. Try some alternate routes, if possible. Make a note of how long each rout takes you.

Before you ride in traffic, learn more about cycling and the rules of the road. Remember that a bicycle is a legal vehicle and always ride with the traffic, not against it. Even if you are on a sidewalk, ride with the traffic. A car turning right often will not check for traffic going in the opposite direction, including your bicycle.

Don’t ride in traffic if you don’t know how to (1) keep your bike consistently within 3 feet of the edge of the road, (2) make hand signals, and (3) quickly look behind yourself while pedaling so you can assess upcoming traffic.

Colorado has many beautiful bike trails across the state. We have several in the area that can take you all through the Colorado Springs area. You can also plan multi-day bike trips around the state. Check out http://www.greatoutdoors.com/ published/cycle/rockymountain/coloradosmultidaymountainbiketours/ for more bike trails.

Above all enjoy the exhiliration of traveling by bike. Enjoy the wind in your face, and the surrounding nature. You will not forget it.

Bonnie Nelson is a freelance writer living in Fountain, CO. If you have comments or questions, email her at waltbon@comcast.net.

CONTACT THE WRITER • WALTBON@COMCAST.nET

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4-11-07 | 4-18-07 | 4-25-07