Biking for Transportation Webinar
By
Ralph Banasiak
Posted: 2020-07-31T20:56:00Z
The recent shutdown has caused people to reassess many aspects of their lives including transportation. Biking has become a go-to option, especially for urban dwellers reluctant to return to the buses, subway lines and other public transit. Suburbanites are also rethinking their bikes for transportation, if not for work commuting, than as a means to get some exercise while running in-town errands.
Ride Illinois, the statewide bicycling advocacy organization, recently conducted a free webinar on making the switch from relying on cars to bikes for the majority of one's trips. They noted that, according to the Federal Highway Administration's 2017 National Household Survey, many of the vehicle trips we take are short enough to do on bikes. About 1 out of 6 (17%) of all vehicle trips are one mile long or shorter and 2 out of 5 (41%) are 2 miles or shorter. That should make you stop and think the next time you open your car door to pick up milk at the grocery store or books at the library.
This hour-long webinar is comprehensive and well worth one's time. It can be viewed in its entirety:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=735401710547128&ref=search
Here are some topics the webinar covers along with quick tips:
- how to get started - go simple and short at first
- how to choose safe routes - plan your route ahead of time
- how to haul various items - string bag, backpack, bike basket, back rack, saddle bags
- how to lock up your bike - strong lock, lit area, locked to a stationary object
- what type of bike needed - any bike that suits you!
- what clothing to wear - loose, comfortable, weather-appropriate
- what accessories to bring - water bottle, cell phone, personal ID, cash/credit card
As with any new habit, personal inertia is the first thing to overcome. Riding a short trip to a frequent destination is a great way to start. Making sure you feel safe and comfortable with your route will lead you to repeat the experience.
Enjoying your ride and acknowledging a sense of accomplishment will make you try again, and maybe extend your route a bit longer.
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