Gas prices make us gulp - especially when the price of a gallon is widely expected to hover around the $4 mark this spring and summer. What can you do about it? Reconsider your first set of wheels (a bike) as a nifty, thrifty transportation option. Saving money on gas is the most obvious payoff, but there are many others.
Consider the benefits of implementing a bike-first philosophy in your family.
What's a bike-first philosophy?
As simple as it sounds, a bike-first philosophy means before you go anywhere, you think of taking your bike. For the vast majority of families, who assume wherever they're going, they're going by car, this is a paradigm shift. Just try it.
Can dad take his bike to work? Can mom? Can the kids ride their bikes to school? Can they ride their bikes to their friends' homes? To track practice? To the store? Chances are, the answer to these questions is often "no," most often due to safety and other practical considerations. Occasionally, however, "no" is a knee-jerk reaction. The first step in implementing a bike-first philosophy is to think about it.
Getting past "no"
When you challenge your family to consider bicycling as a mode of transportation, challenge them to really think about it. Some safety issues demand you say "no" to the bike. But you can overcome many other excuses your family will cite as "reasons" why they can't bike. (Note to heads of household - you'll recognize many of your own excuses here.)
- It's too cold.
- It's too far.
- Ew! No! I'll look like crap when I get there.
- I'll be late!
- It'll be dark.
- There's no sidewalk.
- I can't carry everything on my bike!
In northeast Ohio, yes, sometimes it's too cold to ride a bike - except for a few really, really committed individuals who apparently have some polar bear DNA. For the rest of us, here's a thought: cold is relative. In January, 50 seems balmy. But that rare warm January day is rarely enough to dry off the streets. And any patch of ice or slush on the berm can be a serious safety hazard for a cyclist. In March, however, when streets are clear and afternoon temperatures typically reach the mid-50s, cycling is a reasonable form of transportation. You don't need high-tech cycling gear to avoid frostbite; a knit hat or headband-style ear cover will protect your ears. They may get cold; they won't fall off.
Now, how far is too far? This one is closely related to I'll be late, and/or look like crap when I get there. If you're committed to a bike-first philosophy, you have to make some changes in your lifestyle. Bike-first doesn't mean you'll bike everywhere; it means you'll consider it first, before another form of transportation. A few reasonable changes in your routine can make cycling a very practical alternative to the car. It's also a cheaper, healthier, and greener alternative.
There's no sidewalk. This is a trick. In Ohio and most other states, it's illegal for adults (in most places, that means cyclists over age 12) to ride on sidewalks. Sidewalks are for pedestrians. (Of course, walking is another viable form of transportation and exercise, but it's not the topic of this article.)
What can you carry on a bicycle? That depends on how you're carrying it. If your daughter is a fine-arts student, chances are she'll have some unwieldy projects that really won't travel well on a bike, or she won't be able to carry them and ride safely. In that case, opt for the car (or bus). But if you need "a few" grocery items, think about your list and your options. While a backpack can handle several items, a gallon of milk might unbalance a rider, unless your bike is equipped with a good basket or pouches. Many styles are available at area bike shops (see list below) and most shops will install the equipment for you, free, in just a few minutes.
Overcoming objections and staying safe
When your family adopts a bike-first philosophy, spend an hour or so in the garage checking everyone's bike for proper fit and general road-worthiness. Even if your family plans to ride only in daylight, a light is an inexpensive insurance policy, and literally a potential lifesaver in the case the sun goes down before one of your cyclists makes it home.
Of course, every cyclist - no matter how experienced, no matter how short the planned ride - should wear a helmet, let someone else know their approximate route, and carry water and emergency medical and contact information. (And a cell phone if possible - but no talking while riding!)
The payoff goes beyond the pump
Families that adopt a bike-first philosophy will save a noticeable amount of money in gas - not just because they're biking more, but because they're going leaner, and going less. (Bet you'll make what's on hand for dinner more often when you know a 'quick trip to the store' means on your bike.)
The cycling habit means you'll save beyond the pump, too. It's funny how little impulse buying you'll do when you have to pedal home with the groceries.
Of course, there are fitness benefits. Cycling is exercise, after all, and it's a healthy habit. Cycling through your neighborhood allows you to slow down and consider your neighbors in a slightly more thoughtful way. It also teaches your kids that they have more control than they might think, both over how they get where they want to go and in how they cope with economic forces.
When you put a little effort into it, a bike-first philosophy can help you and your family save money and stay on the road to fitness.
Northeast Ohio Bicycle Shops
Eddy's has locations in North Olmsted, Willoughby Hills, Stow, Montrose www.eddys.com
Century Cycles has locations in Medina, Peninsula, and Rocky River www.centurycycles.com
Cycle Sport & Fitness has two stores, one in Mentor and one in Cleveland Heights www.cyclesportandfitness.com
Bike Authority is located in Broadview Heights www.bikeauthority.com
Spin Bike Shop is open in Lakewood www.spinbikeshop.com
Fredrich Bicycle is on Lorain Avenue on Cleveland's west side www.fredrichs.com
Ohio City Bicycle Co-op keeps families rolling in Ohio City www.ohiocitycycles.org
Comments