Mary Blitzer
You probably know that biking is good for you and the planet. (A new meta-study found that physical activity is equal to or better than medication for treating anxiety or depression!).
But maybe you haven’t thought about the little joys that riding a bike can bring. Like taking in the sunshine on the water, feeling the wind in your hair, hearing birds sing, and experiencing other things you’d be missing if you were behind a windshield.
Statistics show that one-third of trips taken in vehicles are for distances of three miles or fewer. In the city you can cover three miles on a bike in about the same time it would take you to drive.
Ready to ride? Here are some tips to get you started:
- Check your bike. If your bike has been in the garage for the last year or more, I recommend doing the ABC check.
- Air: Squeeze your tires. They should feel hard. If they don’t, you need air.
- Brakes: Check to make sure your brakes engage.
- Chain: Spin your chain to see if it works. If it’s dirty or rusty, it might need cleaning and greasing.
Try riding around the block a few times. If something isn’t working, head to your local bike shop. Be ready to pay for some repairs, as this is an investment in yourself and your environment. Purchasing a new or used bike is also an option.
- Check yourself, bring a lock and have fun with your clothing and gear. If you haven’t been on a bike in a while, start with short rides (1 to 3 miles) and build up. Buy a good lock, such as a U lock, since many cable locks can be cut. Park your bike in a visible, high traffic location. Bring it inside whenever possible, especially overnight.
Have fun with clothing and gear. Get a new outfit, or find the perfect cup holder, phone mount, or speaker—whatever you need to make your ride enjoyable. If you need a bag, consider adding a bike rack instead of carrying a backpack. This has saved me from an achy, sweaty back.
- Plan your ride and time. Choose a destination that is within your comfort range. Use the cycling mode in Google Maps to find the best route and gut check it with what you know about your neighborhood. Take your first ride when you’ve got plenty of time and avoid rush hour.
- Grab a friend or join a group ride or event. If you are still feeling unsure, ask a friend who bikes to accompany you on your first ride or two. You can also look up community rides or classes, such as those hosted by Bike Minnesota or a local bike shop.
Mary Blitzer is the founder of Bike Anywhere, a bicycle commute coaching business to get you riding to more destinations. If you are looking for one-on-one support, like you might get from a personal trainer, I would love to help! Drop a line to mary@bikeanywhere.org