Guest Author - Kaye Barnett
With fuel prices at a record high and the slump in the western economy, many are looking for new ways to reduce costs. Cycling is the perfect solution as alternative transport so try commuting with your bicycle!
Cycling is an excellent form of alternative transport. There are numerous benefits to be had with commuting by bike, and just starting off by cycling once a week you'll soon reap the rewards. You’ll feel so much better for it, it’s great for your health, your fitness levels will improve, and it’s also great for the environment too by leaving your car a home and opting for a more environmentally friendly method of transportation. Plus with the costs of fuel now at a record high, many are now looking to new ways of saving money, reducing their car journeys and cutting fuel consumption. So for those shorter journeys take your bike instead!
Starting to Commute by Bicycle
It’s always recommended that you take a course for learning to ride on the roads properly and safely, teaching you those vital skills. It can be very daunting if you’ve never ridden on the roads before so having a qualified instructor with you will make the learning experience so much better. They’ll be able take you through the process, teach you the skills involved, teach you road safety and provide help and advice for dealing with different circumstances. Contact your local cycling federation for instructors in your area, or contact the League of American Cyclists. There's some information of a couple of their courses avaliable here Including the Cycling Education Program for riding safely and sharing the road.
Riding on the Road – The Importance of Being Seen
Cyclists are extremely vulnerable whist riding on the roads, and certainly when there is other traffic around. You need to stay alert and aware of the other road users and make sure that they can see you. Always make sure you wear a helmet, and brightly coloured clothing, for instance a fluorescent jacket with reflective strips is a must. Also be sure that there are reflectors on your bicycle and when cycling at night make sure you have lights to that other road users can see you at night.
New Incentives
Local governmental agencies are now bringing out new incentives to help towards encouraging alternative transport in the wake of rising fuel costs. For instance the UK has the Ride2Work Scheme which is part of their Green Transport Plan. As part of the scheme commuters to work may be eligible for up to 50% reduction on the cost of purchasing a new bicycle. To find out what's on offer where you are contact you local governmental agency.
