Just One Trip
I like to encourage people to get out and ride bikes. I don’t expect initially that they should be as committed to commuting and running errands as I am. I wasn’t initially so obsessed. In fact, if they are not an experienced cyclist I would prefer that they start out nice and slooooow.
I want them to be comfortable and confident on the bicycle before venturing out to do a lot of riding around the streets on personal business. I want the experience to be safe and enjoyable.
Recently I saw a video from the CBS Sunday Morning Program over on The Daily Cyclist about how many people are turning to bicycling to save money. Mia Burke made a statement that I thought was very good.
She said that she would encourage everyone to think of just one trip they could make on a bicycle that they would normally make by car and do it once a week. Find an easy place less than two miles from home that you normally drive to and try to ride a bike there once a week to take care of your business.
Is it the bank, the library or the gym? Just give it a try.
I hope in the near future to have some guest posts from new bicyclists and people who are trying to use the bike for more than just fun. I have a couple in mind. If you are a blogger and take up this challenge of just one trip, write about your experience on your blog and let me know. I would like to link to the story from my blog. If you don’t blog, give me the information and we can post it here.
Just one trip. That’s all I ask.
August 11th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Its very important for everyone to live an active lifestyle. Bike riding helps you keep fit and you actually see place to. I live relatively close to where I work and take my bike there every day.
August 11th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
Good post!!!
I prefer not to drive , here in the US, as you all drive on the opposite side of the road, to what I’m used to
As a result, I walk, bike or catch the bus everywhere.
Unfortunately, Reno is not as bike friendly as it could be. There are some roads that have bicycle lanes , but they are far and few between. I usually get round that by working out my route in advance and taking back streets as much as I can. if all else fails there is always the footpath.
I wish more people would take up biking, or even walking. I’ve been losing weight and feeling so much better. It’s sad how reliant Americans have become on their cars…
August 12th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
I go to the bank quite a bit during the week for my husband (have rental units) and make deposits for him. I will ride my bike and do that every time I make a deposit.
When the kids are back in school I’ll run errands with my bike as well…too bad I just sold our trailer I could of gone grocery shopping with it…
By the way you won something! Did you check it out yet?
August 13th, 2008 at 10:12 am
The library is the one place I can think of that I could go on a bike. Everywhere else would require roads that are terrifying enough in a car. But I do like to go to the library. If it’s not 90+ I try to walk there.
August 13th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Greetings!
Below is a link to a Washington Post article on DC’s new bike sharing program. One of the SmartBike stations is located at a Metro stop near my office
Program Will Start in Full Today
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/12/AR2008081202907.html?hpid=artslot
August 13th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
I started bike commuting (and some rec riding) May 2008. I started slooow. The first day I drove 22 miles, parked at starbucks (drank some instant consciousness) and rode my bike 3 miles to work. I did that for about a week, expand to four miles, then seven, then twelve. Right now I ride about four days a week as a partial commuter (12 mile one way) and then ride 25 miles once a week. I’m loving it, learning lots along the way, and logging the miles on my blog. In the process I am getting to work, getting some exercise, getting thinner, and getting greener. Its a nice combo
August 13th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
[...] at SpokesNSpin is asking people to give it a try and take one trip by bike. Think about it. It isn’t hard to [...]
August 13th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
I think if people start with just one trip it is a good starting point for more and longer adventures on a bike.
When someone asks me about commuting they always respond with a statement about not having time or how far I travel. I always encourage them to plan a short bike trip to the park or somewhere fun. Bicycling can be contagious.
Thanks for the mention.