• Biker in bike lane

 

Bike and walk for long-term benefits!

  • Lower blood pressure
  • Lower cholesterol
  • Strengthened heart and cardiovascular system
  • Increased bone density
  • Increased hormone production that counteracts the effects of aging
  • Increased endorphins that decrease stress, depression, and anxiety while increasing relaxation
  • Loss or maintenance of weight
  • Strengthened nervous system and reflexes
  • Increased flexibility
  • Reduced diabetes complications

 

Commuting

Before deciding to commute by bicycle or on foot, consider how far you will be traveling, how much motor vehicle traffic will be traveling on the roads at the same time, and the terrain. Ride with a friend, and choose a route or streets that have less traffic or better accommodations for bicyclists - such as bike lanes, wider lanes, or shared-use paths - to make the ride or walk more pleasant.

Commuting by bicycle or walking helps fight pollution and is a great way to keep fit and increase stamina—without the inconvenience and expense of joining a fitness center. Bicycle commuting is typically extremely safe, can substantially help the household reduce travel costs, and is surprisingly practical. Often, bicycle commuting can be faster than commuting by car, and is an excellent “stress reduction” activity.

Tips for commuting by bicycle

  • Dress safely - wear a helmet, wear bright colored clothing, and secure loose pant legs.

  • Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are intended for bicycling. Fingered gloves and hat can be important for staying warm in winter, and riding in cooler hours of the day can be an important way to stay cool in the summer. These will make the ride more comfortable and efficient.

  • Ride defensively - anticipate the actions of other road users and watch for road hazards.
  • Pass with care - turning vehicles may not see you.
  • Maximize visibility at twilight and night - wear reflective clothing and apply reflective tape to your bicycle.
  • Walk your bicycle when you get into traffic situations beyond your cycling abilities.
  • Use caution around buses and large trucks. Watch for buses pulling to and from curbs and passengers getting on and off. Stay out of blind spots and give large vehicles plenty of room to maneuver.
  • Park your bicycle so you do not block sidewalks, handicap and building accesses, or emergency drives.
  • Because your bicycle will be stored for several hours, it is best to protect it from theft, vandalism and weather by storing it in a bike locker, if available, or inside the building where you work, if allowed.

  • If you need to carry things to or from work, consider buying a bicycle rack and panniers, which can be purchased at any bicycle shop. For protection against rain, fenders can be useful if not already installed on your bicycle.

  • Find out if your employer is willing to offer any employee benefits to commuter bicyclists, such as ‘parking cash-out,’ showers, flex-time or increased vacation time. The less an employer must pay to provide car parking for employees, the lower his or her costs will be.

Railroad tracks

Cross railroad tracks carefully. Watch for uneven pavement and grooves that could catch a wheel. Stay in control of your bicycle. Rise up from your saddle and bend your arms and legs so your body acts like a shock absorber. If the tracks cross the road at a sharp angle, then change course to cross them at a right angle.

Tips for commuting on foot

Walking instead of driving a motor vehicle improves the environment and personal health, literally allows one to ‘smell the roses’ and better enjoy the details of your neighborhood, promotes neighborliness and sociability, and allows one to avoid traffic congestion.

If just beginning, wear comfortable shoes, start slowly, and don’t test your limits. You will feel exhilarated, not exhausted, at the end of the walk.