“I’D BIKE TO WORK, BUT…”

People seem to have an infinite number of reasons why they can’t bike to work. Yet millions of people across the globe bike everyday, so there‘s an answer to virtually every objection. If you are a team leader and looking for a response to, “I’d bike to work, but…” you might want to consider the following:

“It’s too dangerous.”

The greater risk is being sedentary. The certain health benefits of bicycling far outweigh the less likely risks of injury and death. One estimate is the benefits outweigh the risks by 20:1.

And while everything we do involves some risk, including driving, risks can be minimized. If bicyclists simply follow traffic laws, they greatly reduce their chance of a crash and can ride with a high degree of safety.

A course in bicycling skills can further reduce risk.

The type of collision that potential cyclists seem to fear most, getting hit by a car from behind, is exceedingly rare--less than .3 of 1% of all crashes according to one expert.

“It’s too far.”

Bike one or two days a week. You don’t have to bike a long distance everyday.

Combine your trip with RT buses or light rail. You can take your bike on board or leave it at the station.

You can take RT one way and bike the other.

Drive in with your bike in the morning and bike home. The next day, reverse the process.

Drive part of the way and bike the rest.

“I don’t have time.”

Combining exercise and commuting can actually save time.

A Transportation Alternatives study shows that commutes under 3 miles are often faster by bike. Urban trips of 5-7 miles usually take about the same time.

“I don’t want to do it alone.”

Find a Bike Buddy through www.1800commute.org.

“I need my car during the day.”

Most people don’t need a car every day of the week. Bike on the days you don’t. If travel is needed for a short trip, maybe you can bike instead.

“I’ll get too sweaty.”

If the trip is not long and you ride at a slow pace, you don’t need to get any sweatier than you do while walking. If you can’t shower at your workplace, shower before you leave and take a sponge bath or use baby wipes when you arrive.

“I don’t have a bike for commuting.”

Any bike can be used for commuting. You’ll want to consider accessories for any special needs you might have: baskets or panniers for carrying things, fenders for wet weather and lights for night riding.

“I don’t know what route to take.”

Ask someone else who rides for suggestions. Check out the bike maps at www.sacbike.org. Don’t be afraid to experiment with routes. A different afternoon route might be better than your morning route.

“I have to dress up for work.”

Drive one day a week and bring in several days worth of dress clothes.

For other and more detailed tips, check the Bicycle Commute Guide http://www.sacog.org/bikeinfo/guide.htm or contact the Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates, 444-6600 or e-mail saba@sacbike.org.