It’s around here somewhere.
Against the garage wall behind the golf clubs? No.
Buried beneath all of the rakes and shovels? Nope.
In the tool shed? Definitely not.
Hmmm. Where could it be?
Look up.
Ah, there it is. In the rafters above the car, where it’s been since the last time you rode it what, three summers ago?
It’s your bicycle, and it could be the only item you own that saves on transportation costs, makes you healthier and improves the environment all in one efficient pedaling motion, says David Grey, president of the Greater Nanaimo Cycling Coalition and organizer of the upcoming Bike To Work Week (May 30 to June 5).
“People just get used to the convenience of their cars and their busy lives and overlook the one item they own that can save them money and reduce a lot of stress,” said Grey, who commutes to his teaching job every day on his trusty steel steed. “They forget how much fun it is to ride a bicycle.”
With Bike To Work Week approaching both in Nanaimo and in other cities across the continent, people are urged to hop back on their bikes and try commuting to work, school or just get out for some exercise.
If you’re thinking about it, there are a few things to consider to ensure an efficient, safe and happy experience.
The checklist includes:
Maintenance – If your bike hasn’t been ridden for a while, it might need a minor tune-up.
“Make sure the tires are properly inflated and are in good shape,” said Lorne Freedman, a GNCC member. “And the brakes need to be working. Taking your bike to a local bike shop to ensure everything works well is a good idea and it’s also a chance to develop a relationship with them to meet your bike needs.”
While there, it’s another good idea to make sure the bike fits well to avoid sore hands, shoulders, knees and to achieve maximum efficiency with each pedal.
If you’re looking for a new bike, work with a sales associate to find the right one for you. Assess your budget and interest to get the perfect ride.
Route selection – Before your first commute to work, plan a route that will be the least amount of work at first, guides you away from heavy traffic and utilizes cycling infrastructure.
Nanaimo’s E&N Trail is the city’s best route and links up to most major roads. If that’s not on your way, look for streets that have designated bike lanes (available online at www.nanaimo.com under parks, recreation and culture).
“There are much quieter side streets that are not only used less by cars, but are more scenic,” said Grey. “The whole idea is to get some exercise and reduce stress.”
Knowing the rules of the road and feeling confident also reduces cycling angst on busy roads. On cycling routes, the city has provided route markers indicating where cyclists should be on the road (as far right as practical) and at traffic signals. Following these guides provides cyclists and drivers a sense of predictability which reduces collisions.
“I’ve been riding around here since the late 1980s and have never had an incident with a vehicle,” said Grey. “Ride defensively, don’t assume anything and obey the rules of the road. Safety always comes first.”
Equipment – Now that you have the right bike and knowledge of the rules of the road, a few small items will go a long way in protecting you.
A helmet is key. Many are light and comfortable and relatively inexpensive. Cycling gloves are also recommended both for comfort while riding and to protect your hands should you fall off your bike.
“Depending on how far you ride to work, you really don’t need much more specialized gear than that,” said Grey. “But around here, a good rain jacket is always recommended, as are fenders.”
Cyclists should also employ the use of a small bell, especially to alert pedestrians on bike paths or trails that you’re approaching from behind.
Over the next five weeks, the News Bulletin will take a closer look at each of these considerations and more with the aim of making Bike To Work Week a positive experience for anybody participating.
For Grey, he says the byproducts of cycling are just as measurable as the key reasons for riding, like reducing greenhouse gases and saving money.
“I have some of my best ideas on my bike,” he said. “And as a teacher, I feel it’s up to me to set a good example for the students. I do all of that and more on my bike, plus I get benefits for myself like being healthier, relaxed, comfortable and energized. Once you try it, it’s a beautiful thing, and it doesn’t take long before it becomes second nature.”
According to the British Columbia Automobile Association, 78 per cent of Nanaimo residents commute less than five kilometres to work. Those people are the ones Bike To Work Week organizers are reaching out to.
For those who are thinking about riding to work, either for Bike To Work Week or through the spring and summer, this series will help you get ready for a safe, comfortable, affordable and sustainable switch in the way you commute.
All you have to do is take that first step and take your bike down from the rafters.
Go ahead, sell your car
OK, that might be overdoing it. But if you’re really thinking about becoming a cycling commuter, you have to make a commitment. Otherwise, you’ll wind up riding your bike only on days that aren’t rainy, aren’t windy, aren’t cold and don’t feature daytime commitments or tight deadlines in the evening – which is to say, never.
So, when you’re making a cycling plan, build in some slack. Start slowly and take a day off if there is any risk of straining something before you’re fully fit. But give it a real chance. Set a minimum number of rides in the first month. You might find that it changes your life.
Richard Littlemore